USF squeaks past No. 24 FAU after nearly blowing 25-point lead

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Selton Miguel scored a career-high 25 points, Chris Youngblood added 23 and American Athletic Conference-leading South Florida won its 11th straight game after nearly blowing a 25-point lead, beating No. 24 Florida Atlantic 90-86 on Sunday.

USF (19-5, 12-1 AAC), under first-year coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, is having just its second season with a winning record since 2011-12.

The announced crowd of 10,659 set a South Florida home attendance record.

After trailing by 25 midway with 8 1/2 minutes left, FAU cut its deficit to 87-86 on Jalen Gaffney's layup and Davis' 3-pointer with 23.1 seconds to go.

Youngblood made it 89-86 with a pair of free throws. After Davis missed a jumper, Youngblood secured the win by making one of two from the free-throw line with 4.6 seconds remaining.

FAU got within 79-72 with 4 1/2 minutes left on a strange 5-point sequence. Nick Boyd hit a 3 while Gaffney was being foul. Gaffney made two free throws.

Youngblood made five consecutive free throws in the opening 10 seconds of the second half as USF grabbed a 51-31 advantage. The first two came before the clock started after Goldin was given a contact dead ball technical foul after the first half ended.

Miguel had 16 points and Youngblood picked up 15 as USF took a 46-31 halftime lead.

BIG PICTURE

Florida Atlantic: The Owls dropped to 4-4 in road games. In the previous two games away from home, FAU lost 76-73 in overtime at UAB on Feb. 8 and beat Wichita State 95-82 in overtime three days later.

South Florida: The Bulls have never been ranked in the AP Top 25 but received votes in last Monday’s poll. They are seeking their first bid to the NCAA Tournament since 2011-12.

UP NEXT

Florida Atlantic: Hosts SMU on Thursday night.

South Florida: Play Wednesday night at UTSA.

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