Clayton and Richard pitched for No. 21 Florida in a 98-83 win over South Florida.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Walter Clayton Jr. scored 29 points, Will Richard added 25 and No. 21 Florida overcame a 13-point deficit to beat South Florida 98-83 in the season opener Monday night.

Still cope with death Under coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, the Bulls looked invigorated as they built a double-digit lead. They made six of their first 15 shots from 3-point range to lead 36-23 early.

Florida, meanwhile, missed 11 of its first 12 goals from behind the arc before Richard scored. Richard’s eight-point spurt brought the score closer in just over a minute. In the second half, the Gators tightened up their defense and dominated inside. They used a 14-2 run to create breathing space. Clayton and Richard played key roles in the decisive period.

Jamil Reynolds led the Bulls with 17 points and six boards.

Takeaway

South Florida: The arena held a moment of silence for Abdur-Rahim, who died last month from complications after surgery. USF players and coaches wore his initials on their uniforms. Florida paid tribute to Abdur-Rahim by wearing a warm-up jersey with his last name on the back.

Florida: Clayton and Richard passed NBA pre-draft testing before deciding to return to the Gators and are now coach Todd Golden’s most important veterans. They combined to make 20 of 32 shots, including four of the team’s five threes.

Key Point

The Gators were in trouble when center Alex Condon picked up his fourth foul with 11 minutes to play. But Thomas Ho and Sam Alexis intervened and stooped low.

Key Statistics

Florida had seven players with at least four rebounds, with Richard, Ho and Elijah Martin leading the way with six each.

Next

South Florida plays at the College of Charleston on Friday. Florida hosts Jacksonville on Thursday.

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