For the first time since 2017, Louisville is advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament despite nearly blowing a lead against USF.

The Cardinals looked to be in firm control for most of the game, entering halftime with a 10-point lead and going up by as much as 23 in the second half. USF constructed a few spirited runs at various points in the second half, but Louisville held on in the final minutes to secure the 83-79 victory.

Louisville managed to survive without point guard Mikel Brown Jr., who was ruled out for the Cardinals' first two March Madness games. Brown's presence was clearly felt against USF's full-court pressure, which led to 22 giveaways and 24 points off turnovers for the Bulls.

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Senior guard Isaac McKneely stepped up in Brown's absence to lead the team with a season-high 23 points on a hyper-efficient 7-for-10 from three-point range. McKneely's heroic performance shot Louisville out of trouble on multiple occasions and relieved pressure on Ryan Conwell, who ended with 18 points, four rebounds, six assists and six turnovers.

The wide gap in three-point shooting was the story of the game. While the Cardinals hit 13 of their 25 long-range attempts, USF went just 5-for-33 from downtown. Senior Joseph Pinion, who led the Bulls with 27 points, hit all five of their triples.

Louisville now awaits the winner of Michigan State and North Dakota State, whom it will face in the Round of 32 on Saturday. Should they emerge victorious, Brown has a chance to make his long-awaited return in the Sweet Sixteen.