Crawford hit a 3-pointer to give the Tigers (13-5, 3-2 American) a nine-point lead with 4 1/2 minutes left but that was Memphis' last field goal. The Bulls (6-10, 0-5) went on a 7-0 run, including five points by Ruben Guerrero, to get within 56-54 with two minutes left. Jimario Rivers made a free throw for Memphis before Crawford stole the ball and was fouled going in for the layup. He made both free throws and added two more with 21 seconds left for a seven-point lead.

Rivers scored 12 points with 11 rebounds and Dedric Lawson had 11 points and five assists for the Tigers.

Geno Thorpe and Malik Fitts scored 12 points each for USF, which has lost five straight.