Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Louisville Tops South Florida, Advances in NCAA Tournament

3/20/2026

50 9

Summary

Story summary

Louisville defeated South Florida 83-79 in the NCAA Tournament first round, their first tournament win since 2017.
The Cardinals built a 23-point lead but finished with a season-high 22 turnovers, letting USF close the gap.
Isaac McKneely led Louisville with 23 points, hitting 7 of 10 from three-point range.
Louisville will face Michigan State in the second round.
South Florida’s Joseph Pinion scored 27 points, finishing 2 of 15 from the field.

History

Historical Context

The 2017 NCAA Tournament culminated in North Carolina's victory over Gonzaga, securing their sixth national championship on April 3. This tournament, featuring 68 teams, generated over $1 billion in revenue, underscoring its financial significance. Louisville's recent win against South Florida marks their first tournament victory since 2017, potentially revitalizing their program and enhancing fan engagement in future competitions.

1 of 2

Story summary

Louisville defeated South Florida 83-79 in the NCAA Tournament first round, their first tournament win since 2017.
The Cardinals built a 23-point lead but finished with a season-high 22 turnovers, letting USF close the gap.
Isaac McKneely led Louisville with 23 points, hitting 7 of 10 from three-point range.
Louisville will face Michigan State in the second round.
South Florida’s Joseph Pinion scored 27 points, finishing 2 of 15 from the field.

1 / 2