Get ready for a thrilling clash in the NCAA tournament as No. 6 seed Louisville takes on No. 3 seed Michigan State. These two storied programs are set to meet on Saturday at 2:45 p.m.
ET at Buffalo's KeyBank Center. You can catch all the action on CBS or tune in to the Louisville Radio Network for live commentary.
Louisville (24-10) punched their ticket to this round with a hard-fought 83-79 victory over No. 11 seed South Florida. Meanwhile, Michigan State (26-7) cruised past No. 14 seed North Dakota State, 92-67, to advance.
Louisville's head coach, Pat Kelsey, acknowledged the unique challenge posed by South Florida's pressing style. "We haven't faced a team that presses like that," Kelsey noted.
"It was a heck of a test on a really big stage. Fortunately, we came out on top.
We can learn from it, tie up some things in practice, and then move on to the next one."
This matchup marks the 13th meeting between the Cardinals and Spartans, with the series currently tied at 6-6. They last faced off in the 2021-22 season. Michigan State enters this game as a 4.5-point favorite.
Quick Facts:
- Louisville has played 13 games against NCAA Tournament teams this season, posting a 5-8 record in those matchups.
- The Cardinals boast a perfect 23-0 record when leading at halftime this season and have maintained a 50-0 streak under Kelsey in such scenarios.
The Spartans are similarly strong with a 19-1 record when leading at the half.
- Historically, Louisville is 4-1 against No. 3 seeds in the NCAA Tournament since 1979.
With their win over USF, they improved to 7-3 as a No. 6 seed.
- Both teams are formidable on neutral sites, each holding a 5-1 record this season.
- Louisville thrives when getting to the line, going 19-1 when they shoot more free throws than their opponents.
Rankings Snapshot:
- AP Top 25: Louisville sits at No. 23, while Michigan State is No. 11.
- Coaches Top 25: Louisville is No. 24, Michigan State holds at No.
- NET Rankings: Louisville is positioned at No. 17, with Michigan State at No.
- Pomeroy Ratings: Louisville is No.
20, Michigan State is No. 9.
- Torvik Rankings: Louisville is No. 17, Michigan State is No.
This matchup promises to be a fascinating battle of strategies and skills, with both teams eager to make their mark on the tournament. Don't miss it!