Tulsa Seeks Revenge Against South Florida in AAC Showdown

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Tulsa looks to avenge its most lopsided loss of the season when it visits South Florida in an American Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Sunday at the Yuengling Center.

The Golden Hurricane (20-3, 10-1 AAC), whose only conference defeat was a 93-78 drubbing by the Bulls on Jan. 10, enter on a seven-game winning streak. They edged Florida Atlantic 78-76 on Wednesday behind 27 points from David Green.

Green, a dynamic guard, has been instrumental in Tulsa’s run, averaging 21.6 points over his last seven games. He scored a season-high 34 in the first meeting with South Florida, but it came in a losing effort as the Hurricane defense allowed a season-worst 93 points.

South Florida (15-8, 8-3) won that game decisively behind a dominant performance from forward Izaiyah Nelson, who posted 22 points and 14 rebounds. Nelson is coming off a 25-point outing in just 22 minutes in the Bulls’ 109-88 rout of Texas-San Antonio on Wednesday. He provides a formidable interior challenge for a Tulsa team that has otherwise been stout defensively.

The Bulls have won four of their last five and are 10-2 at home this season. Their high-powered offense, which averages 86.2 points per game, will test a Tulsa squad that ranks second in the AAC in scoring defense.

This matchup carries significant weight in the conference standings. Tulsa sits in first place, while South Florida is tied for third. A Bulls victory would secure the season sweep and tighten the race, while a Tulsa win would solidify its hold on the top spot and provide a measure of redemption.

The game tips off at noon EST on Sunday, Feb. 8.