Storrs — During his recruiting trip to UConn, James Bouknight formed a fast bond with veteran Christian Vital.

They already shared so much in common, both being from the New York City area and having played for the same Amateur Athletic Union basketball program. So they already knew each other.

They also both possess a scorer's mentality and a competitive spirit. Their relationship has grown stronger this season, and that's a good thing for the UConn Huskies.

On Sunday afternoon, Vital and Bouknight carried their team to a hard-fought win over South Florida, 78-71, before 9,524 fans at Gampel Pavilion.

Vital provided 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals as well as valuable leadership. Bouknight scored 19 points despite playing about 16 minutes due to foul trouble.

"That's my boy," Vital said. "That's my little brother. ... Just from day one, from his visit, we were on the same page. We're just comfortable out there. We play well off each other."

The backcourt pair accounted for 31 of UConn's 47 points in the second half. They've been on a scoring tear, as Bouknight is averaging 18.1 points and Vital 16.7 points in the last nine games.

"We just have to be that dynamic duo type...," Bouknight said. "When I came back in in the second half, he said it was a little hard without me. I just wanted to get some steam off his shoulders."

Coach Dan Hurley and Vital kept encouraging Bouknight to stay focused after the freshman guard went to the bench with his third foul just seven seconds into the second half.

Bouknight listened and helped deliver a knockout punch to the Bulls, scoring 16 points after intermission while delivering a few highlight reel plays.

"He had more points than minutes," Vital said. "That just shows the type of game he has. Obviously, the foul trouble got in his head early but it didn't stay too long because he came in and he was big-time for us."

The Huskies (15-12, 6-8), who've won four of their last six games, followed their senior leader and fabulous freshman to victory.

While they remained in front for nearly the entire game, they couldn't shake the Bulls until the closing minutes.

Neither team led by more than six points in the first 16 minutes of the second half. Vital's 3-pointer handed the Huskies the lead for good, 54-51, with 7:42 remaining and sparked an 8-2 spurt.

Bouknight showed off his athleticism, converting an impressive one-handed rebound dunk off Vital's failed 3-point attempt and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

UConn's six-point lead dipped to three (63-60) before Bouknight and Vital took over again. After Bouknight's two free throws, Vital drained a step-back 3-pointer. Bouknight then scored seven straight points to cap a 12-4 spurt. The Huskies matched their biggest lead, holding a 73-62 edge with 1:07 remaining.

They finished off the Bulls (11-16, 4-10), who've dropped four straight. They've now had 15 games decided by single digits this season, winning two of the last three.

They continue to battle through adversity and deal with a shorthanded roster due to injuries.

"It's must-see TV to see how our games will end," Hurley said. "We're a fun team to watch. ... Basically to have six guys and James in foul trouble and to do what those guys did, I couldn't be prouder."

If Bouknight and Vital can keep up their pace as the team's top scorers, UConn will have a great shot at finishing the season strong.

With only four regular season games left in his career, Vital plans to do everything he can to help his team write a happy ending. He's playing with a sense of urgency.

"Coming into the season, I knew the situation," Vital said. "I didn't expect a couple of brothers to go down the way they did unfortunately, so it just kind of puts a bigger emphasis on not only myself but everyone on the team.

"Obviously, as a senior guard at UConn, those are the guys who are expected to step up. I know I've got to step up." 

News and notes

Vital became the AAC's all-time leader in 3-pointers after sinking one in the second half. He made four overall to give him 253 for his career. "That's definitely a nice accomplishment," Vital said. "I'd rather win more games." ... Freshman Jalen Gaffney and sophomore Brendan Adams each had 10 points. ... The Huskies avenged a 75-60 defeat at USF on Jan. 4. ... Former Husky guard Tony Robertson attended the game.

g.keefe@theday.com