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USF beats Southeastern Louisiana, snaps five-game skid

 
Published Dec. 24, 2014

Corey Allen Jr. saw his second 3-pointer of the game swish through the net and gave a subtle nod of approval.

USF coach Orlando Antigua was looking for his team to respond after a five-game losing streak, and the Bulls (6-6) did so with a 78-63 win Tuesday over Southeastern Louisiana (3-10), led by Allen's 19 points and four assists.

"I was really happy for our guys to taste some success of all the hard work they have been putting in," Antigua said.

Allen's 3-pointer was part of a five-minute 14-8 run to start the second half that put USF up 54-38. During the run, the Bulls grabbed two offensive rebounds and applied strong pressure with a full-court press.

USF never trailed after the first six minutes and led by at least six the rest of the game.

The Bulls' most noticeable response to previous games was from behind the 3-point line. Before making 7 of 13 3-pointers Tuesday, USF was 4-for-35 during the previous three games. Allen was 3-of-5 and Anthony Collins 2-of-2 Tuesday, and Dre Clayton and Troy Holston Jr. also hit 3s in the season-high performance.

"We did a lot of (3-point) shooting the past couple of days here in the gym," Antigua said. "We just took good shots. They weren't contested. They weren't rushed. They were prepared to make those shots."

The Bulls will have two days off before their first practice Friday to prepare for their last non-conference game, Sunday at home against Bowling Green.

"It is always important to go into the holidays with a win," forward Chris Perry said. "It feels good. The whole team's vibe is a lot better. There's been a whole lot of hard work so we're ready for the break."