American Conference

The Fowler Avenue Collective encouraged supporters to redirect donations to the Bulls Club, the university’s official athletic booster group, a shift that aligns with a broader move toward school-managed compensation.

Chris Mack stood out so strongly among dozens of interested candidates that USF "proactively" pursued him. Within days, he has shown the required "relentless obsession" as he recruits "everyday guys."

During her introductory press conference, Curry noted the school's desire to compete "at the highest level” and promised to embrace the past and build on the success left by Jose Fernandez.

In opting for proof over promise, USF has hired College of Charleston's Chris Mack, who brings of a resume of 300-plus career wins and nine NCAA appearances at Louisville and Xavier.

Hodgson is joining a school in the Big East Conference, a basketball-first power league rich in tradition, resources and national exposure.

The Bulls will open on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. against Louisville in Buffalo – a homecoming for Coach Bryan Hodgson. They earned the bid by beating Wichita State in the American tournament final.

The Bulls need one more victory to earn an automatic bid in the NCAA tournament. A loss means waiting for a possible at-large bid from the selection committee.

South Florida thrashed the 49ers last weekend, but the stakes are higher now. The Bulls, the No. 1 seed, can earn a bid to the NCAAs with a win in Saturday's semifinal and in the title game Sunday.

Athletics CEO Rob Higgins says interim coach Michele Woods-Baxter will receive consideration for the job and that the team would not accept a postseason bid from any non-NCAA event.

The Bulls fell to UTEP 62-51 in their first game of the tourney at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham. They finish the season 20-13.

Top-seeded South Florida enters the American Conference tournament on a nine-game winning streak, needing two wins in Birmingham to secure a spot in March Madness.

Coach Alex Golesh said he hasn't had time to process "outside opportunities" before USF rolled to an easy ninth victory on Senior Night. Byrum Brown became only the 12th player to reach the 3,000/1,000 mark.