GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- Freshman Collin Dennis made 6-of-6 free throws in the final 1:37 to help South Florida rally from a 13-point deficit and defeat East Carolina, 72-71, on Wednesday in the teams' Conference USA opener.
The Pirates (5-8, 0-1 Conference USA) held the lead from the middle of the first half, through a 42-32 halftime advantage, and to near the end of the second, when Marlyn Bryant's free throw pushed South Florida ahead 65-64.
The Pirates briefly regained the lead on jumper by Mike Cook, until Dennis made a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession to give USF the lead for good at 67-66.
Terrence Leather scored 18 points and added 16 rebounds, while Konimba Diarra scored 15 points, Brian Swift had 14 and James Holmes added 10 for the Bulls (8-4, 1-0).
Cook scored 18 points to lead the Pirates, while Moussa Badiane had 16 points and 16 rebounds. Tom Hammonds added 14 points.
