HOUSTON — USF fell into a last-place tie in the American Athletic Conference with a 72-55 loss to Houston on Sunday, the Bulls' 13th in their past 14 games.
Troy Holston had a career-high 22 points to lead USF (8-21, 2-14 AAC). Holston, a freshman, also had career bests of five 3-pointers and seven rebounds while playing all 40 minutes.
"We needed that kind of effort from him," Bulls coach Orlando Antigua said.
Devonta Pollard had 18 points and 10 rebounds and tied a career high with five steals for the Cougars (10-18, 2-14), who outrebounded USF 37-25 and snapped a six-game skid.
Houston led 33-29 at halftime, then opened the second half with a 15-2 run to stretch its lead to 48-31 with 13:59 to play. The Cougars had a 23-point lead midway through the second half and cruised from there.
USF finishes the regular season with a pair of home games, Wednesday against UCF and Saturday against Tulane.
"We have to get back home (Sunday), practice (today) and get ready for a game that's going to be very difficult at home," Antigua said.