TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth contest defined by defensive stands and critical late-game execution, the South Florida Bulls outlasted the College of Charleston Cougars 81-75 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at the Sun Dome.

A crowd of 3,199 watched as the Bulls, who led for nearly the entire second half, weathered a persistent Charleston challenge to improve to 6-4 on the season. The Cougars, despite a valiant effort and a game-high 19 points from guard Jlynn Counter, fell to 4-6.

The game’s pivotal sequence unfolded in the final minute with South Florida clinging to a 77-75 lead. After a missed Cougar layup, Bulls forward Izaiyah Nelson secured the defensive rebound and was immediately fouled with nine seconds remaining. The 6-foot-10 sophomore from Marietta, Georgia, calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to four points. On the ensuing inbounds play, Charleston’s Martin Kalu committed a turnover, which Nelson stole to effectively seal the victory. Nelson then added two more free throws for the final margin, capping a 17-point, 2-block performance.

South Florida’s win was fueled by balanced scoring and timely plays. Joseph Pinion, a 6-foot-5 guard from Morrilton, Arkansas, led the Bulls with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Forward Tristan Beckford of Maple, Canada, added 17 points and was a force defensively with two blocks and a key steal in the closing minutes. The Bulls’ defensive anchor was Adriel Nyorha of Ottawa, who contributed seven points, four assists, and a game-high three blocks.

College of Charleston kept pace largely through the play of Counter, who added six assists to his 19 points in 31 minutes. Connor Hickman scored 15 points for the Cougars, while Martin Kalu of Quakenbrueck, Germany, had 12 points and two blocks. The Cougars’ most imposing presence was 7-foot Australian center Chol Machot, who recorded a remarkable six blocked shots to go with 10 points, altering countless other attempts in the paint.

The first half set the tone for a competitive night, featuring 10 lead changes. South Florida used a 13-2 run midway through the period to build its largest lead of the half at 38-25, sparked by Pinion’s outside shooting. Charleston responded with a 14-4 surge of its own, keyed by Counter and a 3-pointer from reserve Chris Davis, to trim the deficit to 42-39. The Bulls took a 46-43 lead into halftime after a Tristan Beckford layup in the final second.

South Florida maintained a narrow but steady advantage throughout the second half, with the Cougars drawing within a single possession on multiple occasions. Each time, the Bulls had an answer, whether it was a Pinion 3-pointer, a Beckford drive, or a defensive stop. Charleston’s last chance came when they trailed 77-75 and had possession with under 30 seconds to play, but could not convert, setting the stage for Nelson’s game-clinching free throws.

The Bulls shot efficiently from the field while the Cougars struggled from 3-point range. South Florida also won the battle on the glass, securing key offensive rebounds that led to 15 second-chance points.

The game was a departure from recent form for both teams. Charleston entered having won two of its last three, including a victory over Massachusetts, while South Florida was looking to build momentum after a home win over Utah State following a two-game skid. The Bulls’ victory moved them to 4-1 at home this season.

College of Charleston returns home to face Charlotte on Sunday. South Florida begins a tough two-game road stretch at Alabama next Wednesday.