MEMPHIS, Tenn. – J.J. Moore scored 13 points, including the final two free throws after grabbing a key offensive rebound, as Rutgers defeated South Florida 72-68 in the opening game of the inaugural American Athletic Conference Tournament on Wednesday night.
With Rutgers, the No. 7 seed, leading 70-68 with 5.7 seconds remaining, Kadeem Jack missed two free throws, but Moore wrestled the rebound away from USF’s Victor Rudd, who was called for his fifth foul. Moore converted the ensuing two free throws for the final margin.
Rutgers will face 5th-ranked Louisville, the tournament’s second seed, on Thursday.
Jack led the Scarlet Knights (12-20) with 18 points, while Myles Mack added 16. Wally Judge had 15 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out.
Rudd scored 22 points to lead the 10th-seeded Bulls (12-20), while Chris Perry had 12 points. Martino Brock finished with 10 as USF lost its final nine games.
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