Louisville basketball is set to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this evening in an ACC showdown. The Cardinals have just 10 games remaining on their regular-season schedule, and Louisville is looking to make a late push to build its resume before the ACC and NCAA Tournaments.
With the Cardinals trying to build as much momentum as possible, we are just one month away from college basketball, and every win is crucial. Louisville has the sixth-hardest remaining schedule in the ACC, according to ESPN’s BPI metrics, but Louisville has some manageable games still in this final stretch.
The Cardinals are trying to earn that coveted double-bye in the ACC Tournament, as they currently sit in the No. 7 seed with a 5-4 conference record. The Cardinals are two games behind the three- and four-seeds, which would give them the double bye, making every win count. So, with Louisville eyeing a late-season push, and just 10 games remaining, here are three games Louisville basketball fans should feel confident about.
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Georgia Tech
Louisville’s last regular-season loss last year came in early February, as the Cardinals were upset on the road by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. However, Louisville fans shouldn’t have to worry about something similar happening this year, as ESPN Matchup Predictor gives Louisville a dominant 96.7 percent chance of winning.
Georgia Tech is 2-7 in the ACC and tied for last place in the conference with an 11-11 overall record. The Yellow Jackets have lost six of their last seven, with five of them being by double-digits. This game comes after Louisville’s road game against SMU and before the Cardinals' road trip to North Carolina and Clemson. The Cardinals should win in a convincing fashion over Georgia Tech.
Wake Forest
Another game the Cardinals fans should feel confident in is Louisville’s matchup with Wake Forest on Feb. 7. Wake Forest sits there right with Georgia Tech at 2-7 in conference play and 11-1 on the season. The Demon Deacons have lost four straight and six of their last seven.
Wake Forest has had gritty performances as they only lost by one to Michigan, one to Texas Tech, and three to North Carolina, but with their recent struggles of losing by an average of 10.7 points in the ACC, Louisville should walk out with a dominant win over the Demon Deacons. ESPN gives Louisville a 77.9 percent chance of winning.
Notre Dame
And the other game the Cards fans should feel extra confident in is none other than tonight's showdown with Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have struggled mightily in conference play, with a 2-7 conference record and tied with Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and Pitt for last place.
The Irish had higher expectations entering the season, but they have lost their seven conference games by an average of 11.5 points, including a 22-point road blowout at North Carolina. Tonight will be a good boost for the Cardinals, who will have fun, gain some confidence, and control the game from start to finish. ESPN gives Louisville a 92.8 percent chance of winning tonight’s matchup.