South Florida's offense operates as fast as anyone. Wichita State's pace is mid-range, and the Shockers must milk the shot clock more than usual as underdogs to stand a chance. The second game in the regular season was to the Shockers' liking; they led by seven at halftime in a game wth 124 points -- though USF won. The points in the first meeting (171) is misleading, given that 17 were tallied in overtime. It's win-or-else for Wichita to reach the NCAA Tournament. The best formula is to slow the game and keep the Bulls from ringing up their usual hefty point total.
South Florida has won thirteen of their last fourteen games, and has shown an uncanny ability to go on big scoring runs in the second half. A team that has kept it close in both matchups against the Bulls was Wichita State, earning a split in their two conference matchups. Pressure is heightened on South Florida to try and secure what will be a one bid American Conference. Grab the points with the Shockers.
South Florida is the 8th highest scoring team in the country (88.4 points per game), while Wichita State is no slouch either at 77.8 PPG. The Bulls have scored 80 or more points in 19 of their last 23 games, while the Shockers have topped 80 in 6 of their last 7 contests. I see this game being played in the upper 70s / low 80s with USF controlling the pace and winning its 11th straight game en route to the Big Dance.
