2. USF leads the country in free throws made per game
Free throws have been a problem for Louisville all season, and this matchup highlights that issue even more. The Cardinals average just 15.7 made free throws per game, which ranks 128th in the country, on 20.5 attempts, which ranks 182nd. That has been a disadvantage, especially in close games.
USF is the complete opposite. They lead the country with 20.1 free throws made per game and rank 3rd in attempts at 27.0. Their offensive style plays directly into this, as they take 36 of their 65 shot attempts per game from inside the arc, leading to drives, contact, and trips to the line.
If Louisville wants to feel better about this mismatch, it will need to keep USF off the free-throw line while finding ways to get there itself. Otherwise, that gap in production at the line could decide the game.