SMU vs Louisville Prediction 2/17/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a SMU vs Louisville prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, February 17th at the Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

SMU Mustangs Betting Preview

The SMU Mustangs are 17-8 (6-6) this season after they lost to Syracuse by a score of 79-78 in their last game. SMU led 39-35 at halftime, but they were outscored 44-39 in the second half for the bad loss. The Mustangs shot 43% from the field, 35% on three pointers, and 76% on free throws in the game. Jaden Toombs led SMU with 19 points and five rebounds, while Corey Washington added 13 points and nine rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, SMU defeated Notre Dame by a score of 89-81 and Pittsburgh by a score of 86-67. The Mustangs have scored 86.2 points per game with 38.1 rebounds and 17.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.6 points against per game this season. Boopie Miller is averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 assists per game, while Jaron Pierre Jr is averaging 17.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Mustangs. SMU is shooting 49.5% from the field, 76.2% on free throws, and 37.8% on three pointers this season. 

Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview

The Louisville Cardinals are 19-6 (8-4) this year after they defeated Baylor by a score of 82-71 in their last game. Louisville was tied at 34 at halftime, but they scored 48 points in the second half to get the win. The Cardinals shot 56% from the field, 44% on three pointers, and 90% on free throws in the game. Mikel Brown Jr led Louisville with 29 points and six assists, while J’Vonne Hadley added 20 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Louisville defeated NC State by a score of 118-77 and Wake Forest by a score of 88-80. The Cardinals have scored 86.9 points per game with 39.9 rebounds and 17.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 70.9 points against per game this season. Ryan Conwell is averaging 18.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while Mikel Brown Jr is averaging 17.9 points and 5.1 assists per game for the Cardinals. Louisville is shooting 47.3% from the field, 77.2% on free throws, and 35.7% on three pointers this year. 

Why the SMU Mustangs will win

• SMU has won 12 of its last 13 night games at Moody Coliseum (Dallas).
• SMU has won the first half in each of its last 10 night games at Moody Coliseum (Dallas).

Why the Louisville Cardinals will win

• Louisville has won each of its last 22 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• SMU has lost each of its last eight night games against AP-ranked opponents.
• SMU has lost the first half in each of its last 10 night games against AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Sixteen of Louisville’s last 17 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 160 or fewer points.
• Twenty-eight of SMU’s last 32 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 162 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• SMU ranks 358th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (28.8).
• SMU ranks T10th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (31.2).
• Louisville ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (11.6).
• Louisville ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (32.6).

SMU vs Louisville Prediction 

Louisville comes into this matchup on a lengthy winning streak, which includes an 88-74 win over SMU in January. The Cardinals are shooting 47% from the field and they have scored at least 82 points in four of their last five. SMU has dropped three of their last five games, including a terrible loss to Syracuse over the weekend. The Mustangs have really struggled against the better teams in the ACC and I don’t see their defense getting many stops here. Take Louisville on the road in this one.