Brandon Rachal scored 18 points – including five three-pointers – as Tulsa (15-8, 9-3 in the American Athletic Conference) defeated South Florida 56-48 Saturday in Tampa, Florida.

“Our defense in the first half was terrific. We knew it would be this type of game where we had to grind it out,” said Tulsa coach Frank Haith,

 “I am proud of our guys bowing their backs, making plays when we needed to. We did a good job of executing, driving to the rim and finishing around the basket.”

Tulsa made 15 of 16 free throws late in the second half. For the 10th consecutive game, the Hurricane has shot 19 or more free throws in a contest.

“When you are able to be strong and make free throws, it is how you win on the road,”  said Haith. “We went to the line with confidence, controlling the game from start to finish.”

In all 17 wins this season, Tulsa has held opponents to less than 40.3 percent from the field

As of Monday, TU was in third place in the conference behind Cincinnati (17-8,, 10-3) and Houston (20-6, 10-3).

Tulsa played at Houston Wednesday night and will host SMU at 2 p.m. Saturday.