The USF Bulls are one win away from clinching a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012. USF beat Charlotte 86-64 in the AAC Tournament Semifinals to punch their ticket to the championship game against Wichita State on Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is at 3:15 p.m. The Bulls will be playing in their first championship game since 1990.
With the win against Charlotte, South Florida extended its winning streak to 10 games, improving to 24-8 on the season and tying the program record for the second-most wins in program history. Meanwhile, Wichita State earned its right to play in the championship by taking out a 26-win Tulsa squad, 81-66.
Bulls coach Bryan Hodgson also set a new milestone as he became just the fourth coach in NCAA history to reach a conference championship game in his first three seasons as a head coach—two of those coming at Arkansas State.
In the AAC Tournament Semifinals, both teams struggled to get going offensively, as Charlotte shot 0/11 on three-point attempts to begin the game, while USF was 6/13 to begin the game from three-point range.
The 49ers kept things close early, but South Florida got a couple of quick buckets toward the end of the half to lead 40-33 at halftime.
USF opened the second half with two quick threes from Joe Pinion and Wes Enis to give the Bulls a double-digit lead, which they would never relinquish.
South Florida would maintain their energy and defensive intensity in the second half, forcing Charlotte into 14 turnovers, leading to 22 points for the Bulls.
The Bulls would then go on a 17-1 run midway through the second half and coasted to an 81-66 win.
USF delivered a dominant performance in the second half, led by some excellent three-point shooting from Wes Enis and Joe Pinion, who combined to shoot 16/33 from three-point range. Both Enis and Pinion finished the game with 24 points, while Izaiyah Nelson added 16 points and eight rebounds. Josh Omojafo was also a force on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds while dishing out two assists.
Joe Pinion spoke with ESPN after the game about the three-point shooting that was so successful against Charlotte.
“I got guys on my team that can get to the basket,” he said. “I got Wes over here, who can shoot the ball, so it’s really hard for teams to key in on me. Just every once in a while, I’ll get loose, and I’m able to hit that shot.”
The Bulls now face Wichita State, a team they split the series with this season. USF lost at home to Wichita State in overtime, 86-85, back in January, while the Bulls got a win in Wichita a month later, 66-58.
An NCAA berth will be on the line when these two teams tip off later Sunday.
Wichita State brings its 22-10 record into this matchup and has proven that it can play with anyone in the league.
For South Florida to win, they must maintain a balanced offensive attack, control the tempo, and limit Wichita State’s perimeter opportunities. The Shockers will try to dictate the pace with their physical play and half-court offense.
Experience may also come into play in this contest. Wichita State has been in high-pressure conference tournament games before and understands what it takes to win. Meanwhile, South Florida is playing with the most confidence they have all season and has shown in the second half that it can handle big moments in the spotlight.
USF is favored by 5.5 points in the championship game.