USF Bulls take down Memphis Tigers on the road

Suddenly, the team that couldn’t catch a break is catching fire.

Junior David Collins had 21 points, making two critical baskets in the last minute, to help USF (11-12, 4-6 American Athletic Conference) escape Memphis with a 75-73 triumph Saturday before a FedEx Forum audience of 17,314.

The victory was the first Quad 1 triumph for the Bulls since the NET rankings were instituted in 2017. USF enters Wednesday’s home contest against No. 25 Houston on a three-game win streak.

Senior point Laquincy Rideau also scored 21 for the Bulls, who won their second consecutive game at Memphis for the first time in the series’ 34-game history. Junior Justin Brown had 14 points and 16 rebounds for his second career double double.

“When Laquincy Rideau and David Collins play that way, we’re really, really good,” said USF coach Brian Gregory, whose team finished with a 15-6 advantage on the offensive boards.

“Then we get Justin Brown to play that way, and we did a really good job on the glass. I’m proud of our guys and I’m proud of the energy they played with against a really good team.”