Matchups in the NCAA Tournament often pit contrasting styles of play against one another. That will be the case in the final game of the 2012 "First Four."
South Florida (20-13, 12-6 Big East)
vs.
California (24-9, 13-5 Pac-12)
9:10 PM ET
University of Dayton Arena
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is not Pamplona. And these Bulls have no interest in running. The Bulls of South Florida play a disciplined half court defense, holding opponents to just 56.9 points per game (7th in the nation). Each of those points allowed are precious for USF as they score an average of only 59.2 per contest. In order to advance to face No. 5 Temple on Friday, the Bulls will have to slow down a team accustomed to playing at faster pace.
Click HERE for Printable 2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket.
The Bears average better than 70 points per game and rank in the top 20 in both assists and field goal percentage. Despite putting up impressive offensive numbers, Cal is the team in this matchup that has been sputtering lately, losing three of four. That late-season skid combined with the lackluster reputation of the Pac-12 to land Cal in this play-in game despite tallying 24 wins.
Stay tuned for LIVE UPDATES throughout the game. Tweet @HuffPostSports to get involved in the conversation.