The University of South Florida Bulls took the court at noon to challenge the Wofford Terriers. The Bulls were originally scheduled to play the LSU Tigers and had to quickly adjust to the Terriers style of play. The Terriers and the Bulls maintained a close game throughout, however, it was South Florida’s efficient 42% field goal shooting that advanced them to a 58-56 win.
The Bulls were led by David Collins’ 13 points and 11 eleven rebounds while the Terriers were fueled by Tray Hollowell’s 21 points and three assists. South Florida advanced to a 4-2 record while handing Wofford another loss, leaving them at 2-2.
Following up on the action, the Dayton Flyers outlasted the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a thrilling double-overtime showdown. The Flyers showed an early weakness protecting the paint that they later corrected, finishing the game with 27 defensive rebounds. The Bulldogs were able to keep up with Flyers at every level except for the free throw line. As the game went down the stretch, Dayton was able to pull away a lead with their disciplined 73% shooting from the foul line. Mississippi State’s 40% free throw shooting is an area they will look to correct before heading into conference play.
Ibi Watson led the charge for Dayton as he finished the game with 21 points, five assists, and four rebounds. D.J. Stewart shined in Mississippi’s loss with his 32 point offensive performance. The Flyers now advance to 3-1 while the Bulldogs fall to 3-3.
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers took the court last in a traditional ACC vs SEC heated matchup. The Tigers came into the matchup looking to maintain their undefeated 4-0 record while the Crimson Tide hoped to improve from 3-1.
Clemson jumped out to an early lead over their SEC foes, leading 51-39 in the middle of the second half. Alabama was able to lead a charge to come within two, however Clemson was able to hold the team to a mere 30% field goal percentage. Meanwhile, the Tigers shot a clean 47% to extend the lead back to double digits later in the half. The Tigers soared to a 5-0 record after taking down the Crimson Tide 64-56 in a dominating fashion.
