Jackson, Bairstow help VCU beat South Florida 70-65 in 2nd round of NIT

Updated Mar. 24, 2024 11:23 p.m. ET

Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Zeb Jackson hit four 3-pointers and scored 14, Sean Bairstow added 13 points and sank two clutch free throws with 17 seconds remaining to help VCU hold off South Florida 70-65 in the second round of the NIT on Sunday night.

Jackson made 4 of 7 attempts from beyond the arc and his only shot from inside it for the Rams (24-13), who travel to play Utah in a Wednesday quarterfinal. Bairstow hit 4 of 10 shots with a 3-pointer and all four of his free throws. His two late foul shots pushed a one-point lead to 68-65. He added six rebounds and four assists.

Christian Fermin and reserve Toibu Lawal scored 10 points apiece for VCU. Fermin blocked a pair of shots and Lawal made two free throws with two seconds to go to wrap up the victory.

Chris Youngblood scored 28 and grabbed six rebounds to pace the Bulls (25-8), who set a school record for wins this season. Kasean Pryor totaled 14 points and 10 rebounds for his 12th double-double of the season.

Jackson had eight points in the first half and his jumper with nine seconds left gave VCU a 32-30 lead at halftime.

Youngblood hit a 3-pointer to open the second half, giving South Florida its last lead. Jackson sandwiched two 3-pointers around a basket by Fermin in an 8-0 run and the Rams never trailed again — although the Bulls got within a point three times in the final 4:25.

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