The top-ranked Louisville Cardinals (8-0, 1-0 ACC), 15-point favorites, hope to remain unbeaten when they go head-to-head with the Pittsburgh Panthers (7-2, 1-0 ACC) at KFC Yum! Center. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 125 points and it will air on ACC Network at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 6, 2019.
Pittsburgh Panthers at Louisville Cardinals Betting Odds
Both teams comfortably covered as favorites in their last game. The Cardinals (6-point favorites) defeated the fourth-ranked Michigan Wolverines 58-43, while the Panthers (2.5-point favorites) beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 71-60. The Louisville game finished 36.5 points under the projected point total of 137.5, while the Pittsburgh game went 2.5 points over the projected point total of 128.5.
Pittsburgh played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.207 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 16.6 (better than their season average of 17.3). Rutgers was 0.100 and 23.7, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Louisville played a nearly flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.400 (below their season average of 0.594) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.6 (below their season average of 34.0). Michigan put up marks of 0.284 and 19.6, respectively, for those same stats. Louisville rallied around Jordan Nwora, who put up 22 points and 12 rebounds. Xavier Johnson, meanwhile fueled Pittsburgh with 20 points and eight assists.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Cardinals won the most recent contest 66-51. Converting at the free throw line was one of Louisville’s biggest strengths. They were 14-16 (87.5 percent), while the Panthers were just 7-13 (53.8 percent).
Vegas tends to place the total high when the Panthers are involved, as five of their nine games have ended under the total. Pittsburgh comes into the contest with records of 7-2 straight up (SU) and 6-3 against the spread (ATS).
Games featuring the Cardinals have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Further, Louisville is 8-0 SU and 4-4 ATS.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Louisville should have a significant advantage. Since last season, the Cardinals defense ranks 29th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.456), while the Pittsburgh offense ranks 301st in effective field goal percentage (0.475).
Pittsburgh Panthers at Louisville Cardinals Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Louisville, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Louisville ranks 42nd in rebounds per game (38.6) while Pittsburgh ranks 228th in rebounds allowed per game (36.4).
- The Cardinals rank 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.0) while the Panthers rank 188th (13.3).
- Louisville ranks 109th in blocks allowed per game (3.2) while Pittsburgh ranks 237th (4.9).
- The Panthers rank 107th in steals per game (6.9) while the Cardinals rank 281st (4.5).
- Louisville ranks 74th in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while Pittsburgh ranks 241st (20.0).