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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nKey Matchups and Handicap: South Florida vs DePaul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Both teams enter 1-0 after opening-night wins, and both have been rebuilt through the transfer portal. The contrast in styles is clear: South Florida thrives on offensive efficiency and aggressive defensive pressure, while DePaul leans on size and interior shot-blocking. With early-season chemistry still developing on both sides, the team that imposes its identity will have the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
South Florida Opens the Chris Mack Era in Style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Bulls began the Mack era with a 98-71 win over Charleston Southern, shooting 50% from the field while recording 45 rebounds, 14 assists, and 13 steals. North Carolina transfer Zayden High led the way with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Toledo transfer Sonny Wilson added 19 points, six assists, and four steals. Former Louisville and Vanderbilt guard Mike James chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds, showcasing the team's improved scoring depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
USF Rebuilt After an American Title<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
South Florida underwent significant changes after winning the 2025-26 American Conference championship, losing key contributors Izaiyah Nelson, Wes Enis, and Joseph Pinion. Mack rebuilt the rotation with High, Wilson, James, and additional newcomers. The opener suggested the new group already has balanced scoring and perimeter production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
DePaul Wins Ugly in Its Opener<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
DePaul beat West Georgia 75-58 but shot just 39% from the field. The Blue Demons collected 43 rebounds, 15 assists, and five blocks. UT Rio Grande Valley transfer Koree Cotton scored 20 points, and Tulsa transfer Ade Popoola added 12 points on four three-pointers. The win was comfortable, but the shooting efficiency left room for improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
DePaul Frontcourt Brings Size and Shot-Blocking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
San Diego State transfer Magoon Gwath posted 19 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, anchoring a frontcourt that gives DePaul a size advantage. Arizona State transfer Noah Meeusen added a well-rounded line of 11 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. That interior presence is DePaul's best counter to South Florida's scoring balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Blue Demons Reloaded Through the Portal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Blue Demons also experienced substantial roster turnover, losing Kaleb Banks and CJ Gunn to graduation, while RJ Smith transferred to UC Santa Barbara and NJ Benson left for Georgetown. Head coach Chris Holtmann responded by adding Cotton, Gwath, Meeusen, Popoola, and Wofford transfer Kahmare Holmes. Like South Florida, DePaul is still building chemistry with a heavily reworked rotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
USF vs DEP Betting Trends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nUSF vs DEP Key Injuries and Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nSouth Florida vs DePaul ATS and Total Picks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
ATS Pick: South Florida +6.5 (-112).<\/strong> South Florida's scoring balance, perimeter production, and aggressive defense give it a compelling matchup against DePaul's frontcourt. The Bulls just forced 13 steals and spread their scoring across multiple transfers, while DePaul struggled to shoot efficiently in its opener. Expect South Florida to remain competitive throughout and stay inside the number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Pick: Under 150.5 (-112).<\/strong> The total appears slightly elevated given DePaul's 39% shooting performance in its opener. The Blue Demons' size and shot-blocking should slow South Florida's interior scoring, and both teams are dealing with backcourt depth concerns due to injuries. Two transfer-heavy rosters still developing chemistry point toward a lower-scoring game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nSouth Florida vs DePaul Best Bets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nFinal Score Prediction for South Florida vs DePaul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
DePaul's size and home floor should give it a slight edge, but South Florida has too much scoring balance and defensive pressure to fall far behind. Expect a tight, physical game that comes down to the final minutes, with the Bulls covering and the total staying under.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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