Virginia Cavaliers vs Louisville Cardinals NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/18/25
The Cavaliers and Cardinals are set to face off at 12:00 ET on ESPN2. The Cardinals will host the game at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY. This Atlantic Coast conference matchup has an over/under of 127.5 points, and Louisville is favored to win by -15.5 at home vs. Virginia.
VIRGINIA CAVALIERS VS LOUISVILLE CARDINALS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Virginia Cavaliers +15.5
This game will be played at KFC Yum! Center at 12:00 ET on Saturday, January 18th.
WHY BET THE VIRGINIA CAVALIERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Cardinals.
- Even though we have Louisville winning straight-up, we like Virginia at +15.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 127.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Will the Cavaliers Pull Through as the Away Underdog?
Virginia Cavaliers Recent Game/Games
Virginia fell to 8-9 on the season after a 54-52 loss to SMU on Wednesday. Despite being +6 underdogs, the Cavaliers kept it close at home, covering the spread.
After trailing 27-25 at halftime, Virginia matched SMU’s 27 points in the 2nd half. The game’s total points of 106 fell well short of the 134.5 O/U line.
Virginia struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 52 points with a field goal percentage of 34.6%. Their effective field goal percentage was 38.5%, and they hit only 4 of 26 three-point attempts, shooting 15.4% from deep. They were more efficient inside, connecting on 53.8% of their two-point shots.
At the free-throw line, the Cavaliers made 12 of 15 attempts, shooting 80%. They had just 5 offensive rebounds and recorded 15 assists. Boopie Miller and Chuck Harris each scored 12 points, with Harris shooting 2 of 9 from three. Blake Buchanan added 11 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, hitting 5 of 7 shots.
Virginia’s defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 54 points on 34% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making 14 of 26 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Virginia’s defense was even more effective, allowing just 4 made threes on 26 attempts, a 15% shooting performance. They also sent the opponent to the free-throw line 15 times, where they converted 12 of those attempts.
Is a Home Win Possible for Louisville?
Louisville improved to 13-5 on the season with an 85-61 road win over Syracuse on Tuesday. Entering the game as -8.5 favorites, the Cardinals covered the spread with ease.
They led 43-27 at halftime and maintained control in the second half, outscoring Syracuse 42-34. The game’s total points of 146 fell short of the 153.5 O/U line.
Louisville’s offense put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 59.7%. They connected on 42.9% of their three-point attempts, hitting 12 of 28 from deep, and were perfect from the free-throw line, going 11 for 11.
Chucky Hepburn led the way with 24 points and 7 assists, hitting 6 of 10 from beyond the arc. Chris Bell added 18 points, shooting 57.1% from three, while J’Vonne Hadley and Eddie Lampkin Jr. each grabbed 10 rebounds.
Louisville’s defense held their opponent to 61 points, allowing them to shoot 40% from the field on 24 of 60 attempts. Inside the arc, the Cardinals gave up 16 two-point baskets on 35 tries, a 45% shooting rate.
From three-point range, Louisville’s defense limited their opponent to 8 made threes on 25 attempts, a 32% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 9 times, where they converted 5 shots, shooting 55%. The Cardinals allowed 9 offensive rebounds.