South Florida Basketball Eyes Upset Against Louisville in NCAA Tournament South Florida (USF) basketball has emerged as a top contender for an upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament, thanks to its 11th seed in the East and a strong matchup against No. 6 seed Louisville. The Bulls, who claimed both the American regular season and tournament titles, will face the Cardinals in Buffalo, New York, on Thursday. USF enters the game on a 12-game winning streak, bolstered by the presence of conference player of the year Izaiyah Nelson, a 6-foot-10 forward averaging nearly 20 points per game in a double-double role. Louisville, however, faces uncertainty in its backcourt due to the injury status of freshman Mikel Brown Jr., who averages over 18 points per game but has been sidelined by a back injury. Analysts have highlighted this as a potential weakness for the Cardinals, while praising USF’s depth and resilience. ESPN’s Jay Bilas, a prominent voice in college basketball, has selected USF to advance over Louisville. In his tournament predictions, Bilas emphasized the physicality of the matchup, noting that both teams prioritize three-point shooting, which could lead to a high number of long rebounds. He also pointed to Brown’s absence as a key factor, stating that USF’s toughness makes it a worthwhile upset pick. Despite his confidence in USF, Bilas projected Michigan State to defeat either team in the Sweet 16. CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter echoed Bilas’ sentiment, calling the Bulls a strong underdog. Trotter praised USF’s offensive firepower, citing sharpshooting from Joseph Pinion and Wes Enis, while also highlighting Nelson’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor.#south_florida #louisville #mikel_brown_jr #usf #isaiyah_nelson
March Madness upset predictions: Ranking most likely first round surprises The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is known for its unpredictability, with upsets playing a central role in shaping the narrative of the event. While the 68-team format provides underdog teams with a chance to challenge powerhouse programs, the first round often features games that defy expectations. Over the next three weeks, Cinderella stories will unfold, and fans will be tasked with predicting which lower-seeded teams can topple their higher-ranked opponents. To aid in this process, here’s a breakdown of the eight most likely upsets in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, based on team dynamics, player injuries, and recent performance. The tournament’s structure allows for dramatic shifts in momentum, particularly when underdogs face teams with internal struggles or key injuries. For instance, the matchup between No. 11 South Florida and No. 6 Louisville highlights a potential clash between two stylistically similar teams. Both squads rely on fast-paced, three-point-heavy offenses, but Louisville’s reliance on freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. could be a vulnerability. Brown’s persistent back issues have left the Cardinals with a shaky interior presence, making them susceptible to the 6-10 forward Izaiyah Nelson of South Florida, who averages 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds. South Florida’s 11-game win streak and strong recent form make them a formidable contender in this matchup. Another key upset candidate is No. 11 VCU over No. 6 North Carolina. The Tar Heels are missing standout forward Caleb Wilson, who is sidelined after surgery on a broken thumb. Despite a 19-4 start, North Carolina has struggled since Wilson’s injury, posting a 5-4 record. VCU, however, has been dominant, winning 16 of its past 17 games.#south_florida #ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #louisville #mikel_brown_jr #izaiyah_nelson
