South Florida holds off Vermont 61-59

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Ron Anderson Jr. had 16 points and nine rebounds, leading South Florida to a 61-59 victory against Vermont in the season opener for both teams Saturday night.

Shaun Noriega added 15 points for the Bulls. Augustus Gilchrist and Victor Rudd Jr. each had 12.

Four McGlynn led Vermont with 17 points, but he missed a last-second attempt at a tying layup. Matt Glass added 13, but his put-back on McGlynn’s shot reached the rim a split-second too late.

Luke Apfeld had 10 points for the Catamounts.

Blake Nash hit a 3-pointer midway through the second half to give South Florida its largest lead at 49-37.

Apfeld scored on a layup with 10.5 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 60-59.

Noriega was intentionally fouled and hit the second of two free throws at the other end.

South Florida led 31-27 halftime.