![South Florida Bulls guard Jayden Reid (0) drives against Florida Gators guard Alijah Martin (15) during the second half of an NCAA men’s basketball matchup Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Florida defeated South Florida 98-83. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://pickdawgz.com/tachyon/2026/01/24679071.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024)
| MATCHUP | South Florida Bulls | UAB Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 11-7 | 12-7 |
| Spread | -2.5 -102 | +2.5 -118 |
| Moneyline | -135 | +114 |
| Total | Over 166.5 (-110) | Under 166.5 (-110) |
| Where | Bartow Arena, Birmingham, AL | |
| When | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
The South Florida Bulls and the UAB Blazers will meet on Thursday night in an AAC matchup at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
South Florida Bulls Betting Preview
The South Florida Bulls enter Thursday’s contest with an 11–7 overall win-loss record, including a 3–2 mark in conference play and a 3-2 record on the road. The Bulls have compiled wins over Florida A&M, Coppin State, Kennesaw State, Western Kentucky, Utah State, and Charleston, while dropping games to George Washington, VCU, Colorado State and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Earlier this season, in the South Florida Bulls 97-91 overtime win over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, South Florida guard Joseph Pinion tallied 16 points (4 of 11 shooting from three-point range), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block showcasing his ability to lead the Bulls backcourt.
The South Florida Bulls average 89 points (13th in country) on 43.5 percent shooting from the field and 33.7 percent shooting from three-point range per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Bulls are allowing opponents 81.4 points on 43.5 percent shooting from the field per contest.
Senior forward Izaiyah Nelson has been a strong presence in the paint for the South Florida Bulls, averaging 15.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. Senior guard Josh Omojafo is averaging 13.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1 steal per contest. Senior guard Joseph Pinion provides the Bulls additional quality play in the backcourt averaging 14.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 assists a game.
UAB Blazers Betting Preview
The UAB Blazers enter Thursday night’s matchup with a 12–7 overall record, including a 3–3 mark in conference play and a 6-5 record at home. The Blazers have amassed recent wins over East Carolina, Tulane, UNC Asheville and Cleveland State, while dropping games to Wichita State, Tulsa, FAU and the Wichita State Shockers.
These two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? In the UAB Blazers 109-106 thrilling double overtime victory over the South Florida Bulls three weeks ago, UAB guard Chance Westry accumulated 24 points (8 of 12 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal.
The UAB Blazers are averaging 81.4 points on 45 percent shooting from the field and 29.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Blazers are allowing opponents 76.1 points per contest on 43.7 percent shooting from the field per game.
Sophomore guard Chance Westry leads the UAB Blazers averaging 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Junior guard Jacob Meyer is averaging 14.2 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist per contest. Senior forward Daniel Rivera averages 11.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
Why the South Florida Bulls Will Win
• High powered offense. Through 18 games played this season, the South Florida Bulls are averaging 89 points per game which ranks 13th in the nation.
• Multiple scoring options. Josh Omojafo, Joseph Pinion and Izaiyah Nelson can carry the offense.
• Ability to win on the road. The South Florida Bulls are 3–2 on the road this season.
Why the UAB Blazers Will Win
• Guard play. Chance Westry provides scoring and playmaking at a high level. Westry is averaging 14.9 points per game.
• Defensive edge. The UAB Blazers are allowing opponents 76.1 points per game. Conversely, the South Florida Bulls are allowing 81.4 points per contest.
• Frontcourt play. Senior forward Daniel Rivera averages 11.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
South Florida Bulls vs. UAB Blazers Prediction
This matchup features South Florida’s elite scoring and rebounding profile against a UAB team that has been strong at home and already beat the Bulls in a double‑overtime thriller earlier this month. UAB’s shooting efficiency and home‑court advantage give them a path to repeat the result, but USF’s offensive ceiling and late‑game execution tilt the matchup toward the Bulls in tomorrow’s rematch. With that said, I like the South Florida Bulls to likely win this game. However, I like the UAB Blazers to stay within the number (2.5) in this one.