Preview: UMBC Retrievers at South Florida Bulls TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — Two teams riding losing streaks and seeking momentum before conference play begins will meet Sunday when the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers visit the South Florida Bulls at the Sun Dome. Both teams enter the nonconference matchup with identical 6-5 records. UMBC has dropped three straight, including a 63-60 home loss to Army on Dec. 12. South Florida is looking to rebound from a high-scoring 104-93 defeat at Alabama on Wednesday. The game features a compelling backcourt-versus-frontcourt matchup between each team’s top performer. UMBC will rely on guard Ace Valentine, who is averaging 9.7 points and 4.2 assists per game. Valentine is coming off a 15-point, 6-assist effort in a narrow loss to Buffalo on Dec. 9. South Florida’s strength lies inside with forward Izaiyah Nelson. He is averaging 14.5 points per game and is a consistent shot-blocking presence. Nelson is fresh from a career-high 25-point performance against Alabama’s formidable front line. The Retrievers have struggled offensively during their skid, failing to reach 70 points in two of the three losses. Beyond Valentine, production has been inconsistent. Caden Diggs and Jah’Likai King each scored in double figures in the loss to Army. The Bulls have shown a potent but sometimes erratic offense, scoring 93 points in a loss at Alabama but also being held to 66 in a loss at VCU. Alongside Nelson, guards Wes Enis and Josh Omojafo provide scoring punch, each dropping 20 points in the Alabama game. For UMBC, this contest concludes a challenging stretch of five games in 18 days before America East Conference play starts in January. South Florida views this as a final tune-up before opening American Athletic Conference action on the road next week. The all-time series is tied 1-1, with the home team winning each prior meeting. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon.