UConn-USF Final Score: Huskies blow past Bulls, 58-44

Sometimes, it's just a matter of having a more talented team. Today, that was the case. The UConn Huskies simply outclassed South Florida, putting together a dominating performance to beat them 58-44.

The game did not open that way, as USF jumped to an early 13-6 lead. The opening minutes of this contest were painful to watch, both offenses were struggling to find open looks and when they did, they shot bricks. The game eventually picked up steam, sparked by Omar Calhoun off the bench. The Huskies would come all the way back and finish the first half leading 28-24.

Coming out of the gates in the second half, the Huskies just smoked the Bulls off the floor. UConn opened with a 15-4 run to extend the lead to 43-28. From there, the game was over. Once UConn took a double digit lead, they began milking the shot clock and working USF's defense for whatever shot they wanted.

Offensively, the scoring was spread out. Ryan Boatright played passively, taking only 8 shots. He made four, including two from deep. Amida Brimah led all scorers with 13. He shot 5-6, most of those buckets came in the paint. Brimah finished off a lob from Daniel Hamilton, completed a clever and-one off a spinning dunk and was a general defensive force. USF had no one with enough athleticism to get Brimah off his spot.

It was the defensive end where UConn really won this game. Brimah, in particular, was the main factor. The 7-foot sophomore imposed his will, intimidating the USF guards from finishing at the rim. He blocked six shots and altered at least a half dozen more. USF only had one player in double figures, Corey Allen Jr., who finished with 12 points.

The victory gives UConn their first in the American Athletic Conference this season. They are 1-1 in conference play, 8-5 overall. This was a nice little road trip for the Huskies. They showed toughness in coming back against Florida then they handled business against USF, exactly what you want to see. With a big time game with Cincinnati coming up on the 10th, UConn is on a two game win streak, playing really solid ball. There are still issues, particularly shootings 3s and foul shots, but right now, the defense is lights out and they are hanging tough.

GO HUSKIES!!