The 15th-ranked Louisville Cardinals (15-5, 6-1 ACC) head to Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum to go head-to-head against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-11, 1-6 ACC). The Cardinals will try to extend their five-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN 3.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Demon Deacons fell to the Boston College Eagles, 65-61, while the Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Panthers, 66-51.
Louisville dominated every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.250 (below their season average of 0.333) and a turnover percentage of 17.1 (worse than their season average of 15.4). Pittsburgh was 0.130 and 22.2, respectively, for those same stats. Wake Forest, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (6-6; 100.0 percent). Wake Forest’s Jaylen Hoard had a good outing, putting up 22 points and 10 rebounds. Steven Enoch, meanwhile fueled Louisville with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cardinals won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 96-77. The Cardinals’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Demon Deacons. Louisville had a rate of 8.2, while Wake Forest posted a mark of 22.7. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Demon Deacons rank 44th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.8 percent), while Louisville ranks 36th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.8 percent). Furthermore, the Cardinals’ 37th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 113.2) will try to exploit the Demon Deacons’ 299th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 108.0).
Louisville vs. Wake Forest Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Louisville, ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Louisville ranks 106th in assists per game (14.1) while Wake Forest ranks 239th (10.8).
- The Cardinals rank 62nd in rebounds per game (38.0) while the Demon Deacons rank 64th in rebounds allowed per game (32.8).
- The Cardinals rank 98th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while the Demon Deacons rank 225th (20.1).
- Louisville averages 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 108th in the nation. Wake Forest ranks 132nd in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.2, up from 11.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Demon Deacons have scored an average of 62.6 points per game (8.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
