Skip to content

Expert prediction

American Tournament: Wichita State vs USF Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 15)

  • Richard Pereira
  • Mar 15, 2026 at 2:05 PM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • The Shockers last made the NCAA Tournament in 2021.
  • The Bulls hope to make their first NCAA Tournament since 2012.
  • This marks the 17th all-time meeting between the American programs.

An important showdown will take place in the American Conference as the South Florida Bulls take on the Wichita State Shockers in the championship game. The matchup is a tossup with a slight edge towards the Bulls, but the Shockers have the quality to rain on their opponent’s parade and punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

How to Watch

  • When: Sunday, March 15, 3:15 pm ET
  • Where: Legacy Arena at BJCC, Birmingham, Alabama
  • How to Watch: ESPN

NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines

TeamOddsSpreadTotals
Wichita State-108+6O150.5
USF-112-6U150.5

Game Preview

The Shockers (22-10, 13-5 American) cannot be underestimated as one of the best squads in the conference. They enjoyed a bye to the semifinals as they took down Tulsa to advance to the championship round. Kenyon Giles notched his 17th 20-point game of the season behind his 27 points on 7-of-16 shooting from beyond the arc. Will Berg also added his ninth double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, while dishing out four assists.

The Bulls (24-8, 15-3 American) find themselves in the mix for a potential NCAA Tournament spot as they are one win away from locking in their spot. They got an automatic bye to the semifinals as they dealt with Charlotte to advance to the championship game. Joseph Pinion finished with 24 points and six three-pointers, recording his ninth game this season with at least five made threes and his sixth game with six or more. Meanwhile, Wes Enis also scored 24 points while knocking down four three-pointers and adding five assists and three rebounds.

Wichita State vs USF Head-to-Head

The two programs have had 16 meetings in their history, and the result is 12-4 for the Shockers. The last matchup was in February this year when USF secured a 66-58 overtime win on the road.

Wichita State vs USF Predictions

There is a lot at stake for both squads as one team will get to represent the American in the NCAA Tournament. USF hopes to end a drought that has lasted for over a decade, while Wichita State looks to claim its first American Tournament title as a member. Both squads have enjoyed hot stretches throughout the season, but the Shockers might be riding the hotter momentum. Our betting pick here is the Shockers to cover a 6-point spread.

NCAAB

More Predictions

NCAAB Insight

NFL Odds, Predictions: Broncos vs. Cardinals Week 7 Preview & Picks (Oct 25)

Cards beat the Rams on the road, which gave them a massive morale boost ahead of this event. Meanwhile, the Broncos are in excellent shape, with 4 wins in 5 weeks. Both teams aim for a triumph in Glendale, yet who will come out on top? Stay tuned with us to see the latest NFL […]

Nikola Velickovic 2 min read

NCAAB Insight

Men’s National Championship: UConn vs Michigan Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 6)

The NCAA Tournament has come down to its last game of the 2025-26 campaign, seeing the Big East’s UConn Huskies duke it out with the Big Ten’s Michigan Wolverines. The latter stands out as the slight favorite, presenting the high stakes that will be actively present in this championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]

Richard Pereira 2 min read

NCAAB Insight

NIT Championship: Tulsa vs Auburn Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)

The 2026 NIT will come to an end as the Auburn Tigers take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sunday night. The former stands out as the slight favorite, meaning that Tulsa will have its work cut out for them throughout the championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread […]

Richard Pereira 2 min read

NCAAB Insight

College Basketball Crown Championship: Oklahoma vs West Virginia Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)

The 2026 College Basketball Crown will come to a close when the West Virginia Mountaineers take on the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners stand out as a slight favorite, paving the way for a great showdown in the championship round. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread Totals Oklahoma -115 -3 O137 […]

Richard Pereira 2 min read

NCAAB Insight

Women’s National Championship: South Carolina vs UCLA Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)

The championship game of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament has arrived as it features a battle between the SEC’s South Carolina Gamecocks and the Big Ten’s UCLA Bruins. The former comes out as the slight favorite as both teams compete for the right to end the campaign as national champions. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]

Richard Pereira 2 min read