Louisville vs South Florida: NCAA Clash

0:00On March 16, the NCAA tournament first round brings a clash between the number 6 seed, Louisville Cardinals, and the number 11 seed South, Florida Bulls. Louisville finished 23 and 10 overall, 11 and 7 in the ACC, while South Florida wrapped up at 25 and 8, 15, 3 in the American Athletic Conference. They tip off Thursday, March 19, at 1.30pm. Eastern Time, a Keybank Center in Buffalo, New York. Louisville's second year under Coach Pat Kelsey delivered back-to-back tournament bids, ending a 5-year postseason dry spell. Preseason hype had them eyeing a final 4 run after peaking at number 6 nationally, but the season brought more bumps than breakthroughs. Shooting Guard Ryan Conwell earned second team all ACC honors, and Point Guard Mikel Brown Jr. landed third team all ACC plus all rookie, recognition. Meanwhile, South Florida wrote a sizzling 11-game win streak into their fourth NCAA appearance ever, the first since 2012.

1:02They claimed the ACC regular season outright, and the tournament title, with a 70-55 win over Wichita State. Ford, Isaiah Nelson swept ACC player of the year, defensive player of the year, and newcomer of the year awards. These old conference foes have tangled 34 times, with Louisville holding a 29-4 edge, and the last four victories, the most. Recent Ann 80-54 route in February of 2014. Both squads boast award-winning talent ready to shine under the spotlight. Expect a tense battle, as Louisville aims to build momentum, and South Florida looks to extend their hot streak into March Manus Glory.