The Kentucky Wildcats will be facing the Louisville Cardinals, with Otega Oweh once again expected to shine. Oweh was named the preseason SEC Player of the Year as well as in The Sporting News, CBS and ESPN’s preseason All-America squads. Furthermore, he is also the leading returning scorer for Kentucky, averaging 16.2 points per game.
This matchup is as exciting as it seems, with fans getting a rare glimpse into the rivalry after Mark Pope and Pat Kelsey nearly came to exchanging heat last season. Last season, Kentucky managed to pull off a home win in 2024 and Louisville is now hoping to clinch a home win at the KFC Yum! Center in 2025.
So, how is this matchup between the two college basketball giants actually going to pan out between the two mammoth college hoops programs? Let’s find out.
Kentucky Cardinals vs Louisville Cardinals Prediction
Both Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals have started the season with two wins this season. However, Kentucky leads the all-time series 40-17 while also holding a 14-10 record on-road at Louisville. Coach Mark Pope holds 1-1 record against the Cardinals and 1-0 as the head coach of the Wildcats. On the other hand, Pat Kelsey holds an all-time 0-2 record against Kentucky.
This time, however, the odds seem to be in favor of the Cardinals to win. ESPN‘s matchup predictor estimates a 72.7% chance for Louisville to emerge victorious in this matchup. Perhaps, the Wildcats can have Mouhamed Dioubate and Brandon Garrison to handle Cardinals’ Khani Rooths, who is averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds this season. Furthermore, expect some great plays from guard Collin Chandler, who is shooting 53.3% of triples for Kentucky this season.
Neither the Cardinals nor the Wildcats are shooting much from the deep. While Kentucky is hitting 32.7% of triples, Louisville’s numbers are only slightly better at 33.8%. But this time, Louisville’s offense has a great edge to perform at home if they can continue holding Kentucky to shoot from the deep.
Kentucky Wildcats vs Louisville Cardinals Starting Lineup
Kentucky Wildcats Starting Lineup
PG: Colin Chandler
SG: Otega Oweh
SF: Denzel Aberdeen
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Brandon Garrison
Louisville Cardinals Starting Lineup
PG: Mikel Brown
SG: Issac McKneely
SF: Ryan Conwell
PF: Kasean Pryor
C: Sananda Fru
Injury Report
For the Wildcats, Jayden Quaintance and Trent Noah still remain game-time decisions. Quaintance had suffered from an ACL tear earlier this year while he was with Arizona State and is still recovering from the same. However, his status has been upgraded to questionable and the sophomore is yet to step on the floor for the first time as a Wildcat.
Trent Noah is also suffering from a minor ankle sprain and was not fielded against Valparaiso as a precautionary measure. But now since his status has been upgraded to questionable, he is expected to return soon.
For the Louisville Cardinals, J’Vonne Hadley’s status has been upgraded to questionable. Coach Pat Kelsey is cautious, but hopeful that Hadley will play against the Wildcats. The Louisville guard was suffering from concussion and his availability still remains a game-time decision.
Though the odds lie in the Cardinals’ favor, it would be interesting to see if Kentucky can clinch this road win. That would take their winning streak to three games this season.
Read More:
Pat Kelsey’s Louisville Success Proven in ACC’s Newest Scheduling Decision Ahead of New Season
Pat Kelsey’s Dramatic Impact Setting New Expectations in College Basketball, Say Top Analysts
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