No.16 Kentucky (9-2) is coming off of a huge 80-72 win over No.9 North Carolina, while Louisville (9-3) is coming off of a blowout win over Robert Morris.
Why Kentucky Can Win:
Kentucky should be able to take advantage of a middle of the pack Louisville defense who gives up 68 points a game, while Kentucky averages a whopping 84 points a game. The Wildcats will also have to play better defense versus a high scoring offense in Louisville who averages around 80 points a game, so far this season. Kentucky has to watch out for Jordan Nwora who averages 17 points a game and is the best scoring option on Louisville’s team.
Why Lousiville Can Win:
The Cardinals must play better defense against an insane Kentucky offense who averages 84 points a game and has numerous offensive weapons like Keldon Johnson, Reid Johnson, PJ Washington, and Tyler Herro. The Cardinals must also get more production on offense from players besides Jordan Nwora who has had a great season so far this year.
Players to Watch:
In Kentucky’s last game, a win over North Carolina they got a huge game from Keldon Johnson. They will need more of that vs Louisville. As Johnson has averaged 16 points and 5 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field this season.
Louisville has to get production from players other than Jordan Nwora. So the Cardinals are going to have to get more out of Dwayne Sutton who has averaged only nine points and six rebounds so far this season. If Louisville wants to win this game they are going to need more production out of Sutton.
Score Prediction:
This game is going to come down to who plays the best defense. Currently I trust the Kentucky defense more, as I believe the Wildcat offense will shred a lackluster Louisville defense. Wildcats: 88 Louisville: 78
