Updated March 14, 2026
The American Athletic Conference championship brings together two programs that have traded wins during the regular season and now meet with an automatic NCAA Tournament berth on the line. Wichita State enters the title game with a 22-10 record and a reputation for physical rebounding and perimeter scoring, while South Florida arrives at 24-8 after finishing atop the league standings. With both teams splitting their two regular season meetings, Sunday’s Wichita State vs South Florida clash offers a decisive third encounter with everything on the line for both teams.
The biggest storyline is the rubber match between these two conference contenders. Wichita State captured the first meeting in Tampa with an 86-85 overtime win in January. South Florida answered a few weeks later with a 66-58 victory in Wichita. With both programs claiming a win on the other’s home floor, the neutral site championship game adds an extra layer of unpredictability.
The Bulls arrive with one of the league’s most productive offenses. South Florida averages about 88 points per game and moves the ball well, producing nearly 18 assists per contest. That offensive balance has fueled a strong late-season push and helped the Bulls secure the top seed entering the tournament.
Wichita State counters with a frontcourt that dominates the glass and creates second chances. The Shockers rank among the top rebounding teams in the conference and frequently control the paint. Their ability to extend possessions has been a major factor during their run to the title game.
Another factor is perimeter shooting. Both teams feature guards capable of stretching defenses. Wichita State leans on a backcourt that can produce points quickly, while South Florida relies on outside scoring to open lanes for its interior players. If either team catches fire from three-point range, it could swing the outcome.
South Florida
Wichita State
Stat | Wichita State | South Florida |
|---|---|---|
Points per game | 78.3 | 88.4 |
Points allowed per game | 70.4 | 76.2 |
Team Field Goal % | 44% | 44% |
Rebounds Per Game | 41.0 | 42.8 |
Assists Per Game | 11.6 | 17.4 |
Past meetings this season
ATS records this season
This championship game features two teams that mirror each other in several areas. South Florida carries the stronger overall record and the league’s highest-scoring offense, while Wichita State offers a physical presence on the glass and a reliable perimeter scorer in Kenyon Giles. The regular season split shows how narrow the gap is between these programs. I'll take the Shockers as an underdog here, as I just don't think there's a ton to separate these teams on a neutral court.
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