TAMPA -- The USF men’s basketball team knows they have to build on last year’s NCAA tournament success, and that could be a task.

Prior to last season, the Bulls hadn’t nabbed an NCAA tournament bid in 20 years.

Last season, USF finished 22-14 and fell just one victory short of an appearance in the Sweet 16.

Most of that success was due in large part to a staunch defense the Bulls showcased last season. USF set a Big East record last season by allowing a measly 56.6 points per game.

The offense wasn’t too shabby either. It just lacked consistency and that’s one thing the Bulls need to work on this season. USF cannot only rely on its defensive performances.

This season’s team is mixed with senior leadership and newcomers. Senior Toarlyn Fitzpatrick will no doubt be looked at to lead the team. He averaged 25.5 points per game in the 35 games he played.

Arguably the player with the most pressure on his back is sophomore Anthony Collins. In Collins’ freshmen season, he averaged 32.7 ppg. That kind of offensive production needs to remain if the Bulls will have any success this season.

Nov 10. UCF, 7

Nov. 16 vs Md.-E. Shore, 7:30

Nov. 17 vs. Loyola-Chi., 7:30

Nov. 18 vs. W. Michigan, 3

Nov. 20 vs. Bradley, 7:30

Nov. 26 at Stetson, 7

Nov. 30 vs. Georgia, 7

Dec. 5 at Okla. St., 9

Dec. 18 vs. Youngstown St., 7

Dec. 21 vs. Bowling Green, 7

Dec. 29 vs. George Mason, 7

Jan. 2 at UCF, 8

*Jan. 6 vs. Syracuse, noon

*Jan. 9 vs. Villanova, 8

*Jan. 12 at Louisville, 4

*Jan. 17 at Rutgers, 9

*Jan. 19 vs. Georgetown, 6

Jan. 23 at Seton Hall, 7

*Jan. 26 vs. Notre Dame, noon

*Jan. 28 at Marquette, 9

*Feb. 3 at Connecticut, 2

*Feb. 6 vs. Marquette, TBA

*Feb. 9 at Villanova, 3

Feb. 13 vs. Providence, 9

*Feb. 17 vs. Louisville, 1

*Feb. 20 at St. John's, 7

*Feb. 27 at Pittsburgh, 7

*March 3 vs. DePaul, 2

*March 6 vs. Connecticut, 9

*March 9 at Cincinnati, 4