NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The USF Bulls’ fantastic season of basketball fell one game short of the Sweet 16.

USF’s late rally came up a few shots shy of completion in a 62-56 loss to Ohio in Sunday’s third round of the NCAA Tournament at Bridgestone Arena.

What a memorable run it was, however, for a USF team (22-14) that won 10 games last season and used that motivation to secure the program’s first two NCAA tournament victories in its first trip back to the dance since 1992.

Victor Rudd Jr. and Anthony Collins led three Bulls in double figures with 13 points apiece, but the usually air-tight USF defense failed to stop Ohio’s Walter Offutt, who posted a game-high 21 points with many coming during the Bobcats’ game-deciding run midway through the second half.

USF’s offense ran out of steam late, but got off to an outstanding start against Ohio’s defense that’s top 10 in the nation in a number of categories.