Louisville Cardinals vs SMU Mustangs NCAAB Betting Pick & Prediction for 2/17

The Louisville Cardinals will play against the SMU Mustangs on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The game will take place at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas. Louisville is ranked #21 in the AP Poll and enters the game as the favorite with a spread of -3.5.

Louisville has a strong record of 19-6 this season, including 6-4 in away games. SMU, the underdog, holds a 17-8 record and has been strong at home with a 13-3 record. Fans can catch the game on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET.

Louisville Cardinals vs SMU Mustangs Game Day Info

  • Sport: College Basketball
  • Teams: #21 Louisville Cardinals vs SMU Mustangs
  • Venue: Moody Coliseum, Dallas TX
  • Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET
  • Betting Odds:
    • Louisville Spread: -3.5 (-117)
    • SMU Spread: +3.5 (-107)
    • Louisville MoneyLine: -196
    • SMU MoneyLine: +156
    • Over/Under: 167.5 (-113)

Louisville Cardinals Team Preview

The Louisville Cardinals have been strong in their recent games. They secured a win against the Baylor Bears with a score of 82-71. Mikel Brown Jr. led with 29 points and 6 assists, showing his skill on the court.

Louisville’s offense has been effective this season, ranking 19th in points per game with 86.9. Their field goal percentage stands at 47.3%, while they hit 11.6 three-pointers per game. On defense, they average 7.0 steals and 3.4 blocks per game.

The Cardinals have a record of 19-6 and are ranked #21 in the AP poll. They have been successful straight up, winning 85% as favorites. However, they are still seeking a win as underdogs, where they have not yet found success.

SMU Mustangs Team Preview

The SMU Mustangs have had a solid season with a 17-8 record. They perform well at home with a 13-3 record. They have shown strength in scoring, averaging 86.2 points per game, which ranks 22nd nationally.

Offensively, the team shoots well from the field, with a field goal percentage of 49.5%. They are also efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 37.8% of their three-point attempts. The Mustangs’ strong shooting contributes to their effective field goal percentage of 56.0%, ranking 38th in the country.

In recent games, Boopie Miller and Jaron Pierre Jr. have been key players. Miller averages 18.9 points per game, while Pierre Jr. adds 17.4 points per game. Their contributions have been crucial in games like the 89-81 win against Notre Dame.

BTB Betting Pick

For the spread pick, take SMU at +3.5. Louisville scores 86.9 points per game, while SMU is close with 86.2. Both teams have strong offenses, but SMU’s slightly better shooting percentage at 49.5% can help them cover the spread.

For the over/under, choose the over at 167.5. Louisville and SMU both average over 86 points per game. With both teams having fast-paced offenses, the projected total score is likely to exceed 167.5 points.