The University of South Florida Bulls men’s basketball team defeated the Kennesaw State University Owls 108-89 in the Love Wins Classic honoring the late Amir Abdur-Rahim in Vystar Arena on Nov. 16. 

The Bulls took control of the game early and never looked back with its largest lead at 19 points. 

AAC player of the week junior forward Joseph Pinion led the team, dropping 24 points, matching his career high, 20 of those points coming in the first half in back-to-back games. Five players ended the game with double-digit points, including senior forward Izaiyah Nelson, who recorded his third triple-double.

“That’s what we expect out of him. They don’t have to be 20-point halves, but he’s one of the best shooters I’ve ever coached. We want him to be locked in on the defensive end, but we know he’s capable of breaking off some big nights like that. Guys are going to game plan for him, and I thought he did a good job being patient and being selective in his shots. When you do that and you’re locked in on the defensive end, they usually tend to go in,” head coach Bryan Hodgson said.

At the start of the second half, KSU swung the momentum to bring the score within five points. USF would find the spark again from senior guard Josh Omojafo, who finished with 20 points, shooting 6-13 from the field, along with six rebounds. 

AAC freshman of the week guard Gavin Hightower, who contributed nine points, two rebounds and three assists. 

During halftime, the game took a moment to honor Amir Abdur-Rahim and his family.

“He left such a lasting impact on this university, this community and this program as well as ours. Truly blessed to be able to play this game and honor him. He was a special man and to see the amount of people that came here and have “Love Wins” on their chest to honor a man that really lived that every day means,” Hodgson said.

Next up is the Oklahoma State University Cowboys on Nov. 19 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.