NCAAB

South Florida 90, Florida Atlantic 86

Amir Abdur-Rahim is an incredible program builder. First, he turned a dead Kennesaw State program into an NCAA Tournament team, and now he has South Florida at 19-5 and atop the AAC in his first year in Tampa. It remains to be seen if the Bulls have staying power, but if Chris Youngblood, who followed Abdur-Rahim to USF, keeps playing well, the team has a chance to make the tournament. Youngblood scored 23 points on just seven shots in this game.

Florida Atlantic has had every chance to impress this season, and outside of a few games here and there, the Owls haven’t risen to the occasion. Johnell Davis recorded 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists in this contest — the norm for him this season — but most of his teammates haven’t improved from 2023’s Final Four run. It’s not too late for FAU, but Dusty May’s team should probably start playing better.

Charlotte 72, Wichita State 61

Like South Florida, Charlotte has also been a surprise team in the AAC. The 49ers are probably ripe for an upset in the conference tournament, but fans should be able to enjoy the team’s 17-8 record. The program is heading in the right direction.

Loyola Chicago 77, Rhode Island 67

The top of the Atlantic 10 has been separating itself from the pack recently, and Loyola Chicago is certainly part of that top group. The Ramblers are now 11-2 in league play and Philip Alston is a big reason why. The forward tallied 21 points and 10 rebounds yesterday. Dayton at Loyola Chicago on March 1st should be appointment television.

It’s year two for Archie Miller in Kingston, and results are going to be required soon — probably next season. The Rams stumbled to a 9-22 mark a year ago, and are 11-14 this year. Jaden House is a nice piece for URI and he should be back next season. The guard recorded 14 points in this game.