USF had no answer for Josh Carlton, as the senior center’s double-double powered No. 12 Houston past the Bulls 83-66 on Wednesday night in Tampa, Florida.
From the tip, Houston exerted its dominance in the paint led by Carlton, who scored 18 points and pulled down eight boards in the first half.
The Cougars pulled down nine offensive rebounds which led to eight second-chance points in the first half.
USF’s knocked down five first half 3-pointers, led by three from Javon Green, allowed the Bulls to keep step with the Cougars.
A stretch of seven consecutive makes late in the first half helped the Cougars take a 40-37 lead into the locker room.