Photo Credit: The Oracle
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The University of South Florida basketball programs started the 2026-27 season with two impressive victories Monday night. Both teams celebrated successful home openers at the Yuengling Center in Tampa on November 2. The men’s team defeated Charleston Southern 98-71, while the women’s team dominated Furman 80-54. The victories also marked successful coaching debuts for Chris Mack and Kristy Curry. Together, the Bulls outscored their opponents 178-125, giving USF basketball fans plenty to celebrate. More importantly, both programs showed encouraging signs following significant offseason changes.
The men’s program entered the season following an American Conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. Meanwhile, the women’s program welcomed Curry after longtime coach Jose Fernandez departed for the WNBA in 2025.Both coaches faced the challenge of building chemistry with reconstructed rosters. However, opening night provided an encouraging foundation for the months ahead.
USF Men Dominate Charleston Southern in Mack’s Debut
The USF men’s basketball team opened the Chris Mack era with a convincing 98-71 victory over Charleston Southern. The Bulls scored 98 points and secured a comfortable 27-point victory against the Buccaneers. Mack inherited a program that enjoyed considerable success under former head coach Bryan Hodgson. However, Hodgson departed for Providence, leaving Mack with the challenge of rebuilding a championship roster. The new head coach brought in 12 transfers and three freshmen to strengthen the program. Consequently, opening night represented an important opportunity for the newcomers to begin developing chemistry.
Senior point guard Sonny Wilson entered the season as one of Mack’s most important additions. The Toledo transfer brings tremendous experience after starting 98 games during his previous three seasons. Wilson also recorded more than 1,300 points and 330 assists during his Toledo career. His speed and playmaking ability should help Mack establish the fast-paced offense he wants. Meanwhile, guards Mike James and Chris Davis Jr. provide additional scoring options. James brings valuable experience after previously playing for Mack at Louisville.
Davis gives South Florida another dangerous perimeter threat. The sophomore demonstrated his shooting ability by connecting on eight three-pointers during an exhibition victory over Saint Leo. Additionally, forwards Garrett Johnson and Zayden High give the Bulls size and versatility. High joined the program after playing at North Carolina, bringing another offensive option to Mack’s frontcourt. USF’s 98-point performance offered an encouraging opening result for its reconstructed lineup. However, the final score alone cannot identify which players delivered the game’s decisive individual plays. Nevertheless, Mack’s first victory gives the Bulls momentum heading into a challenging early-season schedule. South Florida will travel to Chicago to face DePaul on November 5.
USF Women Cruise Past Furman in Curry’s Debut
The USF women’s basketball team delivered an equally impressive performance against Furman. The Bulls defeated the Paladins 80-54, giving Kristy Curry her first victory leading South Florida. Unlike the men’s contest, the women’s game featured an explosive opening quarter that quickly established control. USF scored the game’s first nine points before Furman’s Sophia Pearl answered with a three-pointer. However, the Bulls immediately responded with another eight unanswered points. That scoring run extended South Florida’s advantage to 17-3 and forced Furman into an early deficit.
USF continued attacking offensively and finished the first quarter with a commanding 27-12 lead. The Bulls maintained their advantage throughout the second quarter despite Furman’s improved offensive production. The Paladins scored 20 second-quarter points, but South Florida entered halftime leading 46-32. Curry’s team then delivered its strongest defensive stretch after the break. USF outscored Furman 23-9 during the third quarter, extending its lead to 69-41. That decisive period effectively eliminated any realistic chance of a Furman comeback. The Bulls eventually secured their 26-point victory, giving Curry an impressive beginning to her USF coaching career.
Ingram Leads Balanced USF Women’s Offense
Senior guard Stefanie Ingram led the Bulls with 15 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. She connected on six field goals, including two three-pointers, while directing South Florida’s offense. Meanwhile, Hannah Kohn contributed 13 points, giving the Bulls another reliable offensive option. Kendall Puryear followed with 12 points, helping South Florida establish its advantage inside. Additionally, Fatou Diakite and Kate Novik scored 11 points apiece. Amourie Porter added 10 points, giving the Bulls six players in double figures.
That balanced scoring attack demonstrated the offensive depth Curry hopes to develop throughout the season. Instead of relying on one scorer, South Florida received contributions from several different players. The Bulls also dominated the rebounding battle, collecting 48 rebounds compared with Furman’s 25. That advantage helped South Florida control possessions and create additional scoring opportunities. Furthermore, USF outscored Furman 50-26 inside the paint.
The Bulls converted 32 of their 64 field-goal attempts, finishing with 50 percent shooting. Furman struggled offensively against South Florida’s defensive pressure. The Paladins shot just 33.3 percent from the field and connected on four of 18 three-point attempts. Clare Coyle led Furman with 15 points, while Alyssa Ervin contributed 14. However, their performances could not overcome South Florida’s balanced scoring and dominant rebounding.
Two New Coaches, Two Winning Debuts
Opening night represented more than two victories for the South Florida basketball programs. Both teams began new chapters under experienced coaches with expectations of competing for conference championships. Mack hopes to maintain the men’s recent success while developing his own offensive identity. Meanwhile, Curry wants to build upon the foundation Fernandez established during his 25 seasons leading the women’s program. Both coaches understand the importance of building chemistry, especially with so many newcomers joining their respective rosters. The opening victories provide confidence, but tougher competition awaits both programs.
The men’s team will face DePaul on November 5, presenting an early opportunity to measure its progress. Meanwhile, the women’s team will travel to Nashville to face Belmont on November 6. Ultimately, USF basketball fans could not have asked for a much better opening night. Both programs earned convincing victories and began their new coaching eras with positive momentum. The Bulls now hope to transform those encouraging beginnings into sustained success throughout the 2026-27 season.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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