MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a high-octane American Athletic Conference clash that saw both offenses ignite, the South Florida Bulls outlasted the Memphis Tigers 96-89 on Thursday night at FedExForum. The victory, fueled by a career-high 29 points from guard Wes Enis, completed a regular-season sweep for the Bulls and solidified their position near the top of the league standings.

A crowd of 9,643 witnessed a contest defined by runs and resilient responses, where neither team could muster a sustained defensive stop for long. South Florida, improving to 22-8 overall, rode a potent first-half performance to establish a lead it would never relinquish, though Memphis repeatedly clawed back to within striking distance.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the final minutes of the opening half. After Memphis guard Dug McDaniel connected on a 3-pointer to give the Tigers a 40-37 lead with just over two minutes remaining, the Bulls unleashed a decisive 14-6 run to close the period. The surge was emblematic of the night, featuring key contributions from multiple players. Gavin Hightower converted a tough driving layup, Enis drew a foul on a 3-point attempt and calmly sank all three free throws, and after a Memphis turnover, Hightower scored again and completed a three-point play. The flurry sent South Florida into the locker room with a 51-46 advantage, a psychological and tangible edge after Memphis had briefly seized momentum.

Enis, a junior from Conover, Ohio, was the steadying force throughout, playing 40 minutes and adding three assists to his scoring output. His performance continued a stellar late-season surge, following a 25-point effort in a win over Tulane just four days prior. He was complemented effectively by wing Josh Omojafo, who added 21 points, and forward Isaiah Jones, who provided 14 points and two crucial blocks off the bench.

Memphis, which fell to 12-18, was led by the dynamic backcourt duo of McDaniel and Curtis Givens. McDaniel scored 25 points and dished out seven assists, relentlessly attacking the basket and creating opportunities for his teammates. Givens, a hometown product from Memphis, chipped in 11 points and four assists. Forward Zach Davis was a consistent interior presence for the Tigers, finishing with 17 points, often capitalizing on feeds from McDaniel.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first. South Florida would build its lead to nine or ten points, only to see Memphis answer with a mini-run fueled by McDaniel’s playmaking or timely shots from Sincere Parker, who had 14 points. Each time, however, the Bulls had an answer, frequently through Enis or Omojafo. A driving layup by Enis with just over two minutes to play pushed the lead to 87-81, and the Bulls sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final minute, with Enis and Jones combining to hit three of four attempts in the closing seconds.

The game’s tempo and offensive efficiency defied pregame expectations, as the combined score of 185 sailed over the projected total. South Florida’s offense operated with precision, shooting effectively from the field and from distance, while Memphis countered with a strong inside game and opportunistic scoring. The Bulls’ ability to maintain their composure during Memphis’s rallies, particularly in the hostile road environment, proved to be the difference.

With the win, South Florida continues its push for postseason positioning, having now won three straight and 10 of its last 12. Memphis, despite another valiant effort, saw its losing streak extend to four games in a season that has failed to meet the program’s traditional standards. The Tigers will look to regroup in their final regular-season contests, while the Bulls aim to carry this offensive momentum into the upcoming conference tournament.