MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Christian Vital 25 points and UConn used accurate-shooting to build a double-digit lead and then hold on for an 80-73 victory over USF in the opening round of the American Athletic Conference tournament on Thursday.
Jalen Adams added 19 points and six rebounds for UConn (16-16), which moves on to Friday's quarterfinal game against 11th-ranked and top-seeded Houston.
Laquincy Rideau led the Bulls (19-13) with 19 points, while David Collins finished with 15 points as USF lost its seventh in the last nine.
UConn's shooting was so accurate, it was still at 70.