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USF's 11-Game Win Streak Faces Louisville Without Star

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 19, the NCAA Tournament features No. 11 South Florida (USF) vs No. 6 Louisville at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
Louisville will be without star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. due to back injury.
USF arrives with an 11-game win streak and the American Athletic Conference title.
The game starts at 1:30 p.m. ET, Louisville is favored by 4.5 points, and USF averages 87.0 points per game to Louisville’s 84.8.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA Tournament, first held in 1939, evolved significantly over the decades, expanding from eight to 68 teams by 2023. In 1985, Villanova, an eighth seed, achieved a historic upset by defeating top-seeded Georgetown 66-64, marking a pivotal moment in college basketball. This tournament's unpredictable nature continues to engage fans, shaping the landscape of college athletics today.

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Story summary

On March 19, the NCAA Tournament features No. 11 South Florida (USF) vs No. 6 Louisville at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
Louisville will be without star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. due to back injury.
USF arrives with an 11-game win streak and the American Athletic Conference title.
The game starts at 1:30 p.m. ET, Louisville is favored by 4.5 points, and USF averages 87.0 points per game to Louisville’s 84.8.

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