Coverage off last night

SPT:

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- USF has a faster, stronger, more athletic team than Davidson, but it took a long time for that to manifest itself on the scoreboard Thursday night.

With Gus Gilchrist scoring 19 of his game-high 21 points in the second half, USF held on to beat the Wildcats 65-58 in the first round of the Charleston Classic at Carolina First Arena.

“That was a really tough game,” said coach Stan Heath, whose Bulls improved to 3-0. “We just could not shake them. We knew they were awfully good. I’m really proud of my guys.”

McKillop in the Observer: “I think guys have to execute their assignments better. The ever elusive quality we need to grasp is consistency. I thought we got pretty good looks at the basket. We need to capitalize.” Trib. DavidsonWildcats.com.

Thursday night’s opponent

SPT: It’s only two games, but there’s a different energy around USF’s basketball team. Stan Heath on Twitter: Team Defense sparked Bulls home victory. Up nxt Davidson in Charlston Tourney. Developing more bench depth will b a focus ovr nxt week.

In my morning paper

My SPT colleague Greg Auman on USF’s big-hope big guy: If you ask Stan Heath, the difference in Gus Gilchrist from a year ago is like night and day. It could also end up being the difference between losing and winning for USF basketball. Charleston Classic.