Memphis, Tenn. -- Kadeem Jack had 18 points as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defeated the South Florida Bulls 72-68 in the first round of the American Athletic Conference Tournament at the FedExForum.
Myles Mack scored 16 points for the seventh-seeded Scarlet Knights (12-20), who will face second-seed Louisville on Thursday. Wally Judge logged a double- double with 15 points and 10 boards while J.J. Moore added 13 points.
Victor Rudd finished with 22 points and seven rebounds for the 10th-seeded Bulls (12-20), who ended their season on an eight-game losing streak. Chris Perry netted 12 points and Martino Brock chipped in 10.
Rutgers shot 52 percent from the field in the opening period as it led 40-37 at the intermission. USF made 44.8 percent of its field goal tries in the frame.
The Scarlet Knights did not shoot as well in the second half as they connected on 37.5 percent of their field goal attempts and went 13-of-18 from the free- throw line. The Bulls converted on 47.8 percent of their shots from the floor, but went 0-of-2 from beyond the arc.
Despite the loss, USF dominated play inside as it outscored Rutgers 44-28 in the paint.
[SportsNetwork.com]
