College basketball game predictions: Louisville vs Kentucky

Louisville and Kentucky face off in the first ever match-up between Chris Mack and John Calipari as head coaches. The Big Red Louie team gives their game predictions.

This feels different. The Cards and Cats face off in the second Battle of the Bluegrass in 17 years and the fifth such occasion in 29 years that doesn’t involve Rick Pitino. Louisville and Kentucky becomes more about the fans and players, and less about the coaches.

It has been said that in Rick Pitino’s early years at Kentucky, Pitino made Cardinal legend Denny Crum’s teams old news. Then, in the early 2000’s Pitino came in and revitalized the same downtrodden Louisville program. In 2009, John Calipari took over at Kentucky, and since, has gone 9-2 against the Cards. Pitino was becoming old news, while Cal was rising to the top.

Now, in his first year at Louisville, new head man Chris Mack is making waves on the recruiting trail and on the court. Mack’s brand of basketball and his recruiting prowess are a stark contrast to Calipari’s style. Will it be out with the old and in with the new, or will the Cats prove that Louisville is still a year or two away from reestablishing their brand?

Our BRL contributors weigh in on what they are expecting in Saturday’s match-up.

Zach Hamilton, @zmancardinal

A young Louisville squad will have a difficult time stopping the 2nd oldest guy on the court , Reid Travis. With Malik Williams & Steven Enoch in early foul trouble the oldest guy on both squads, 32 year old Akoy Agau will enter and forcefully stop him. VJ King will prove he’s the best McDonalds American on the court and has ice in his veins. Cards win on walkoff VJ 3 pointer. Santa Mack beats Calipari.

Louisville 74, Kentucky 71

Ross Prophater, @rosspro

Generally the rival who controls the rebounding margin wins this game. I think UK will win that rebounding margin, but I think Malik Williams, Ryan McMahon and the UofL bench come up big! Cards keep the rebounding margin close enough and shoot it well behind the 3pt line to lead the Cards to victory. Cards squeak out a nail biter.

Louisville 76, Kentucky 73

Andy Harrell, @theadrezl

Kentucky is obviously a matchup problem with their length and athleticism. Their interior players are comparable to what Louisville saw earlier in the season against Tennessee. That Vols back line gave Louisville problems and so will Kentucky. On the other hand, Louisville is set up to have an absolute field day from three point range. This game is so hard to predict because it most likely simply come down to if Louisville his having a good or above average day from behind the arc. I think the crowd pushes back against Kentucky’s clear advantage in athleticism and size, and Louisville squeaks out an all-time classic.

Louisville 71, Kentucky 70

Madison Wood, @tostadamadz

The Cards are going to have to take great shots and make open ones against a UK team that hasn’t defended the 3 well all year. Louisville can’t be lazy with the ball and give Kentucky chances to score off turnovers. Sometimes Kentucky’s offense is stagnant and we can’t let them get into a rhythm. If Louisville keeps rebounding and getting to the line like they have been all year, the Cards will ultimately be victorious.

Louisville 79, Kentucky 72

Jacob Lane, @jacoblane_BRL

If you had asked me before the season if I thought Louisville had any shot of winning this game, I’d reply rather quickly “hell no, not this time. We’ll get em’ next year,” but here we are and this team has already achieved more than I thought they would. Beating UK is easily doable, but what UofL has to do is “yuck” the game up. Execute in the half court, play tough defense, get to the free throw line, and dominate the boards. Much easier said than done. MVP of the game will be Ryan McMahon.

Louisville 82, Kentucky 76

Charlie Thomas, @_CharlieThomas

I think Louisville has to slow the game down and not attempt to “run” with Kentucky. The Cards also need to win the battle of on the glass to be successful, which means both Steven Enoch and Malik Williams need to avoid early fouls. Louisville also needs to shoot the three ball at a high clip. I expect a big scoring game from Jordan Nwora, and ultimately, a Cards victory.

Louisville 73, Kentucky 67

Nick Conner, @Nick_Conner

If Christen Cunningham is fully healthy, I expect a great game. Dwayne Sutton has the game of his life in front of his home town crowd, while Jordan Nwora and Ryan McMahon pour in key threes down the stretch. The better-coached teams wins this one.

Louisville 68, Kentucky 65

Presley Meyer, @meyer_presley

The overall consensus is that, had this game been played a week ago, Louisville would have the upper hand. Last weekend, Louisville let a bad team hang around for 30 minutes, and UK took down UNC with ease, and now all of a sudden everyone’s tune has changed. In reality, Louisville and Kentucky are very much the same teams that they were prior to last weekend.

The Cards should get back veteran point guard Christen Cunningham, who’s presence was much needed against Robert Morris. Kentucky will face their first true road test in what is sure to be the most hostile environment they play in all year. This game always comes down to the little things, and Louisville is far more physical, and will get to the line 25-30 times. Kentucky is 335th in three point field goal defense, and Jordan Nwora is on a tear from deep. Louisville shoots their way to a big lead, and hangs on late.

Louisville 79, Kentucky 70

Tanner Hickman, @KodakNap

I think the Cards will play a tough, gritty game but our depth issues will become a concern as the second half progresses.

Louisville 66, Kentucky 72

Ethan Sprowles, @EthanSprowles

I think the atmosphere is going to be key. John Calipari doesn’t do well on the road, especially his first road games of the season, and this happens to be Kentucky’s road test. If the Louisville crowd and team can come out amped and make a statement early, I really like the Cards’s chances. Dwayne Sutton, Jordan Nwora, and, wait for it… VJ King could be X factors.

I’m watching to see how Louisville handles PJ Washington and Reid Travis. Louisville needs to do well on the boards and can’t get dominated down low. I think it will be a tough, intense game with Louisville pulling away late with free throw shooting and solid 3-point shooting.

Louisville 84, Kentucky 79