BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Top-seeded South Florida defeated No. 2 Wichita State, 70–55, on Sunday afternoon at Legacy Arena at the BJCC to win the 2026 American Men’s Basketball Championship.
 
South Florida (25-8) is in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time, and the first time since 2012. They are the No. 11 seed in the East Regional, and play Thursday against Louisville (23-10) at 1:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
 
It was a battle inside the paint to begin the team as both teams attacked the basket to score their first 24 of the 27 combined points. Kenyon Giles hit a near half-court buzzer-beating three to end the first half, as the Shockers went into the locker room trailing by seven.
 
The Bulls continued to pull away in the second half thanks to a strong performance from Wes Enis, the American Men’s Basketball Championship Most Outstanding Player.  Enis scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half, while playing all 40 minutes in the game. South Florida shot 16 of their 23 free throws in the second half, going 13-for-16 from the charity stripe.
 
Izaiyah Nelson, the American Player of the Year, added 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks.  Josh Omojafo scored 10 points for the Bulls.
 
Dillon Battie led the Shockers with 15 points, while Will Berg added 10 points and six rebounds.
 
All-Tournament Team
Dezayne Mingo, Charlotte
Wes Enis, South Florida (MOP)
Izaiyah Nelson, South Florida
Will Berg, Wichita State
Kenyon Giles, Wichita State