In this article we will formulate a Pittsburgh vs Louisville prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 11th at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Panthers are 12-3 (3-1) this year after they lost to Duke by a score of 76-47 in their last game. Pittsburgh trailed 34-24 at halftime and was out scored 42-23 in the second half in the loss. The Panthers shot 31% from the field, 30% on three pointers, and 62.5% on free throws in the game. Cameron Corhen led Pittsburgh with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Jaland Lowe added eight points and five rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Panthers defeated Stanford by a score of 83-68 and California by a score of 86-74. Pittsburgh has won five of their last six games and they opened conference play with a 64-59 win over Virginia Tech. Pittsburgh has scored 81.6 points per game and they have allowed 68.9 points against per game, while also averaging 35.9 rebounds and 14.4 assists per game this season. Ishmael Leggett is averaging 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, while Jaland Lowe is averaging 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game this season. Pittsburgh is shooting 48.3% from the field, 77.3% on free throws, and 35.5% on three pointers this year.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview
The Louisville Cardinals are 11-5 (4-1) this season after they defeated Clemson by a score of 74-64 in their last game. Louisville led 42-35 at halftime and was able to hold Clemson to just 29 points in the second half in the win. The Cardinals shot 45.5% from the field, 29.6% on three pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. J’Vonne Hadley led Louisville with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while James Scott added 11 points and 10 rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Cardinals defeated Virginia by a score of 70-50 and North Carolina by a score of 83-70. Louisville has won five games in a row and they started conference play with a loss to Duke and a win over Florida State. Louisville has scored 77.6 points per game and they have allowed 69.8 points against per game, while also averaging 38.3 rebounds and 13.4 assists per game this season. Chucky Hepburn is averaging 15.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, while Terrence Edwards Jr. is averaging 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this year. Louisville is shooting 43.2% from the field, 72.7% on free throws, and 29.8% on three pointers this season.
Why Pittsburgh will beat Louisville
- Pittsburgh has won each of its last 15 games at Petersen Events Center.
- Louisville has lost 16 of its last 18 day games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
- Pittsburgh has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 games at Petersen Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of the last 10 games between Louisville and Pittsburgh have produced a total of 148 or fewer points.
- Each of Louisville’s last five games at Petersen Events Center have produced a total of 148 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Pittsburgh ranks T15th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.1).
- Pittsburgh ranks 31st among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (59.7%).
- Louisville ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.9).
- Louisville ranks T44th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (11.1).
Pittsburgh vs Louisville Prediction
Louisville comes into this matchup trying to extend their five game winning streak, but they will be on the road for this contest. The Cardinals are 4-1 in conference play, but they are shooting just 43.2% from the field this year. Louisville has been able to play some very good defense against Clemson and Virginia, as they allowed 64 and 50 points in their last two games. Pittsburgh is coming off of a blowout loss against Duke in their last game, but they have won five of their last six and they also only have one loss in ACC play. The Panthers are shooting 48.3% from the field this season and they are scoring nearly 82 points per game. This should be a great matchup between two very solid teams, but I just don’t think Louisville can go on the road and pickup another road win with their poor shooting. Take Pitt at home.