Louisville Faces Another Challenge: A Storm-Delayed Trip and a Showdown with No. 5 Duke
Just as Louisville was starting to find its rhythm again with Mikel Brown Jr. back in the lineup, the Cardinals have been thrown another curveball - this time, courtesy of Mother Nature.
Winter Storm Fern disrupted travel plans and forced head coach Pat Kelsey and his 21st-ranked Louisville squad (14-5, 4-3 ACC) to delay their trip to Durham, North Carolina, until game day. And waiting for them?
A rematch with No. 5 Duke (18-1, 7-0) at the always-intimidating Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Brown’s Return Sparks Louisville
The Cardinals are coming off a strong 85-71 win over Virginia Tech, a game that marked Mikel Brown Jr.’s return after missing eight games with a lower back injury. Brown didn’t waste time shaking off the rust.
In just 28 minutes, he led Louisville in scoring with 20 points and dished out six assists. His presence on the floor gave the Cards a much-needed jolt on both ends, and his ability to control tempo and create offense was a big reason Louisville led for over 36 minutes and built a 20-point cushion at one point.
Brown's return couldn’t come at a better time. Louisville’s offense looked more fluid, and the team played with a renewed confidence that had been missing during his absence. But now, they’ll need that same energy - and then some - to hang with a red-hot Duke team.
Duke Rolling Under Scheyer
Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils have been on a tear. Winners of seven straight, including four since their 84-73 win over Louisville earlier this month, Duke is starting to look every bit the title contender their record suggests. They’re coming off a dominant 90-69 win over Wake Forest and currently sit at No. 3 in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency rankings - a testament to their balance on both ends of the floor.
The Blue Devils have been surgical offensively, but what’s really set them apart during this streak is their defense. They’ve tightened the screws, holding opponents in check while continuing to push the pace and capitalize on transition opportunities. Louisville saw that firsthand in their first meeting, when Duke’s length and athleticism gave them fits in the second half.
Tip-Off and How to Watch
Louisville and Duke are set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.
For fans tuning in from home, the game will air on ESPN. Dave O’Brien will be on the play-by-play call, joined by analysts Cory Alexander and Jay Williams.
Streaming options are also available via ESPN.com and the ESPN app for cable subscribers. For those without cable, Fubo is offering a free trial and will carry the game as well.
On the radio side, Paul Rogers and Bob Valvano will have the broadcast on the Cardinal Sports Network, which includes WLCL 93.9-FM and WGTK 970-AM in Louisville. Fans can also stream the radio call online through GoCards.com.
Vegas and Analytics Weigh In
Oddsmakers have Louisville as a 6½-point underdog, with the over/under set at 157½ points. Advanced metrics suggest a tough road ahead for the Cardinals.
KenPom gives them a 22% chance of pulling off the upset, projecting an 83-74 final score in Duke’s favor. BartTorvik.com also leans toward the Blue Devils, forecasting a 69% win probability and an 81-76 final score.
What’s at Stake
For Louisville, this is more than just a chance to avenge an earlier loss. It’s a measuring stick.
With Brown back and the team finally getting closer to full strength, the Cardinals have a shot to prove they can hang with the ACC’s elite. But doing that in Cameron - against a Duke team that’s humming - is a tall order.
Still, if Louisville brings the same energy and execution they showed against Virginia Tech, and if Brown continues to elevate the offense, they’ve got a puncher’s chance. The margin for error is slim, but the opportunity is massive.