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South Florida forward Ron Anderson Jr. (1) dives for a loose ball between Connecticut defenders Ryan Boatright (11) and Jeremy Lamb (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday Dec. 28, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. Chris O'Meara, Associated Press
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Connecticut guard Jeremy Lamb (3) goes to the basket in front of South Florida forward Victor Rudd (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday Dec. 28, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. Chris O'Meara, Associated Press
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South Florida guard Anthony Collins, left, reacts as he runs into Connecticut forward DeAndre Daniels chasing a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday Dec. 28, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. Chris O'Meara, Associated Press
By Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. — Jeremy Lamb scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half, helping No. 9 Connecticut hold off South Florida 60-57 on Wednesday night in their Big East opener without suspended coach Jim Calhoun.

Lamb led a game-ending surge with a jumper and three free throws in the final 1:46 to help the Huskies (11-1, 1-0) close out their sixth consecutive victory.

Toarlyn Fitzpatrick had 14 points and 12 rebounds for USF (7-7, 0-1), which hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

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Calhoun did not make the trip to Tampa, remaining behind as he began serving a three-game suspension by the NCAA for failing to create an atmosphere of compliance within the program.

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