USF is riding a 12-game winning streak and is the American regular season and tournament champion.
Key analysts, including ESPN's Jay Bilas and CBS Sports' Isaac Trotter, are picking USF to defeat Louisville.
Louisville has a key injury concern with Mikel Brown Jr., impacting their backcourt strength.
USF's coach Bryan Hodgson has a compelling personal story, adding to their underdog appeal.
USF has players with a 'chip on their shoulder,' eager to prove themselves on a big stage.
Why this matters: An upset by USF could significantly impact tournament brackets and create a Cinderella story early in March Madness. It also highlights the growing parity in college basketball.
The South Florida Bulls, seeded 11th, are set to face the 6th-seeded Louisville Cardinals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, New York. USF's momentum is fueled by a 12-game winning streak and the presence of conference player of the year, Izaiyah Nelson. Louisville, on the other hand, is dealing with an injury to freshman Mikel Brown Jr., a significant contributor to their offense.
Analysts like Jay Bilas from ESPN and Isaac Trotter from CBS Sports are favoring USF, citing their strong personnel, including Joseph Pinion and Wes Enis, and their ability to rebound and shoot effectively. Trotter notes that USF has won 19 of its last 22 games, with their losses being very close contests.
USF's coach, Bryan Hodgson, adds an emotional element to the game. A western New York native, Hodgson's father, who has dementia, will be able to see him coach in person for the first time. This personal narrative enhances USF's appeal as an underdog.
Isaiah Jones, a USF guard, brings experience from Oakland's upset win over Kentucky in 2024, adding to the team's confidence. The team believes they can shock the world and become a household name.
Q: Why is USF considered an upset pick?
Their strong winning streak, Louisville's injury concerns, and favorable matchups.
Q: Who are some key players for USF?
Izaiyah Nelson, Joseph Pinion, and Wes Enis.
Q: Where can I watch the game?
TNT. Streaming options are available through DIRECTV and other services.
Watch for USF to leverage their momentum and balanced attack against Louisville.
Louisville's backcourt performance will be crucial, depending on Mikel Brown Jr.'s availability.
This game is a prime candidate for an early-round upset in your March Madness bracket.
Do you think USF will pull off the upset? Share your predictions!
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