The Louisville Cardinals (10-4, 1-0 ACC) and their great offense visit Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers (10-4, 0-1 ACC) and their tremendous defense. The game can be seen on ACC Network at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Louisville Cardinals at Pittsburgh Panthers ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Panthers defeated the Youngstown State Penguins 69-53, while the Cardinals beat the Nicholls Colonels 85-72.
The Cardinals had a much better free throw rate (1.050 vs. 0.190) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.537 vs. 0.476). Pittsburgh, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.236 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.509. Youngstown State had marks of 0.134 and 0.328, respectively, for those same stats. Pittsburgh was led by Xavier Johnson, who recorded 16 points, six assists and five rebounds. Steven Enoch had a good game for Louisville, contributing 15 points and eight rebounds.
The Cardinals dominated this series last year, securing victories in both contests. In the last game, Louisville won 94-60. Louisville made 10 of their 19 three pointers (52.6 percent), while Pittsburgh was 7-30 (23.3 percent). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The Cardinals’ Jordan Nwora has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Johnson has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Panthers.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Pittsburgh figures to have a substantial edge. The Panthers defense ranks 13th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.434), while the Louisville offense is ranked 136th in effective field goal percentage (0.526). Additionally, the Cardinals, who rank second in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.363), will face a tough test against the Panthers, who rank 58th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.192).
Louisville Cardinals at Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Pittsburgh, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Louisville averages 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 81st in the NCAA. Pittsburgh ranks 182nd in rebounds allowed per game (36.7).
- The Cardinals rank 113th in three pointers attempted per game (23.6) while the Panthers rank 166th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
- The Cardinals rank 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Panthers rank 130th (7.1).
- Louisville ranks 94th in blocks per game (3.4) while Pittsburgh ranks 158th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 83.0 points per game (6.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 10.4 for the season.
