South Florida basketball triumphed over Wichita State with a score of 70-55, capturing the 2026 American Men’s Basketball Championship. This victory marks South Florida’s return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012, and they enter as the No. 11 seed in the East Regional.
The Bulls finished the season with an impressive record of 25-8, bolstered by a remarkable 11 consecutive wins leading into the NCAA Tournament. In the championship game, South Florida demonstrated their prowess at the free-throw line, shooting 16 of 23 in the second half, including a notable 13-for-16 performance.
Wes Enis, who played all 40 minutes of the championship game, was named the Most Outstanding Player, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Izaiyah Nelson also shone brightly, scoring 13 points and earning the title of American Player of the Year.
South Florida’s offense has been a force throughout the season, entering the conference championship weekend with the eighth-best scoring average in the country at 88.4 points per game. Their ability to score effectively inside the arc, with a shooting percentage of 51.9%, has been a key factor in their success.
Looking ahead, South Florida is set to face Louisville, who holds a record of 23-10 and is the No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The matchup is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET, and observers are eager to see how the Bulls will perform against a formidable opponent.
Head coach Hodgson, in his first season with the Bulls after two years at Arkansas State, is making his NCAA Tournament debut. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the team to this significant achievement.
As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts alike are keen to see if South Florida can continue their winning streak and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
