In this article we will formulate a Louisville vs Duke prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 6th at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview
The Louisville Cardinals are 11-3 (1-1) this season after they lost to Stanford by a score of 80-76 in their last game. Louisville trailed 35-34 at halftime and they allowed 45 points in the second half for the loss. The Cardinals shot 43% from the field, 22% on three pointers, and 86% on free throws in the game. Ryan Conwell led Louisville with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Isaac McKneely added 17 points and three assists in the loss.
Prior to that game, Louisville defeated Cal by a score of 90-70 and Montana by a score of 94-54. The Cardinals have scored 90.4 points per game with 42.4 rebounds and 18.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.1 points against per game this season. Ryan Conwell is averaging 19.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Isaac McKneely is averaging 11.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Cardinals. Louisville is shooting 47.1% from the field, 77.5% on free throws, and 35.3% on three pointers this season.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Duke Blue Devils are 13-1 (2-0) this year after they defeated Florida State by a score of 91-87 in their last game. Duke was tied at 42 at halftime, but they scored 49 points in the second half to get the close win. The Blue Devils shot 53% from the field, 44% on three pointers, and 92% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Evans led Duke with 28 points and three rebounds, while Cameron Boozer added 17 points and nine assists in the win.
Prior to that game, Duke defeated Georgia Tech by a score of 85-79, but lost to Texas Tech by a score of 82-81 before that. The Blue Devils have scored 87.3 points per game with 41.4 rebounds and 18.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 65.5 points against per game this season. Cameron Boozer is averaging 23.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, while Isaiah Evans is averaging 13.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Blue Devils. Duke is shooting 49.8% from the field, 71.6% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this year.
Why the Louisville Cardinals will win
- Louisville has won each of its last 21 games as an AP-ranked team at KFC Yum! Center.
- Duke has lost each of its last three games against teams with an AP Ranking of 20.
- Louisville has won the first half in each of its last 18 games at KFC Yum! Center.
Why the Duke Blue Devils will win
- Duke has won each of its last 12 games against Conference opponents.
- Louisville has lost nine of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents at KFC Yum! Center.
- Duke has won the first half in each of its last eight night games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Louisville’s last 11 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 160 or fewer points.
- Each of Duke’s last nine road night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Louisville ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (12.2).
- Louisville ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (34.6).
- Duke is one of only four teams to reach the Elite 8 in each of its last two NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Duke ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+21.8).
Louisville vs Duke Prediction
Duke comes into this matchup after winning two of their last three games, but they really haven’t played well in any of those three games. The Blue Devils are shooting 50% from the field, but their defense has allowed 79+ in three straight. Louisville is coming off of an awful loss to Stanford and they have lost two of their last four. The Cardinals are shooting 47% from the field, but they are missing their second leading scorer. I think Louisville would win if Brown was playing, but I will back Duke on the road, despite their recent form.