BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - No. 1 South Florida used suffocating defense to top No. 2 Wichita State, 70-55, in the American Conference Championship game Sunday afternoon at Legacy Arena.

Wichita State (22-11) shot just 35 percent from the field and 4-of-19 from three-point range, while committing 14 turnovers.

Kenyon Giles was held to just five points on 2-of-11 shooting and 1-of-7 beyond the arc. Dillon Battie scored a team-high 15 points to go with five rebounds. Will Berg added 10 points and six rebounds off the bench.

Giles and Berg were named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Bulls struck first with a driving layup from Joseph Pinion just seconds into the contest, but Wichita State quickly answered. Battie scored in the paint and Karon Boyd followed with a steal and transition basket to give the Shockers an early 4–2 edge.

The teams traded baskets through the opening minutes, but South Florida gradually seized control behind interior scoring from Izaiyah Nelson and perimeter play from CJ Brown. Midway through the half, the Bulls used a short scoring burst to move in front and maintain the lead.

Wichita State struggled to find consistency from the perimeter, hitting just two three-pointers in the opening half. South Florida capitalized with points in the paint and second-chance opportunities to stretch the margin.

Despite the shooting struggles, the Shockers stayed within striking distance behind inside scoring from Berg and Battie. South Florida ultimately carried a 33-26 lead into halftime.

Wichita State attempted to rally early in the second half, cutting into the deficit with baskets inside and trips to the free-throw line. However, South Florida repeatedly answered each push.

The Bulls maintained control behind balanced scoring and strong work at the line, finishing the second half 13-of-16 on free throws. Wichita State was unable to string together a sustained run as South Florida continued to build separation.

With under a minute remaining, the Bulls pushed the lead to 16 points, their largest advantage of the game, before closing out the 70-55 victory.

All-Tournament Team
Dezayne Mingo, Charlotte
Wes Enis, South Florida (MOP)
Izaiyah Nelson, South Florida
Will Berg, Wichita State
Kenyon Giles, Wichita State