2. Efficient shooting by Louisville
USF plays at a faster pace, ranking third nationally with 65 shot attempts per game and averaging 77 possessions, compared to Louisville’s 61.1 shot attempts on 72 possessions. More possessions and shots can lead to more scoring, but only if a team is efficient.
That’s where Louisville has a clear edge. The Cardinals shoot 47% from the field (57th), while USF shoots 43.7% (246th). From two-point range, Louisville ranks ninth at 59.7%, compared to USF’s 51.9% (178th). From three, Louisville shoots 35.7% (77th), while the Bulls are at 33.1% (223rd). The gap is even more noticeable in effective field goal percentage, where Louisville ranks 20th at 56.4%, compared to USF’s 50.9% (200th).
All of these points to one key takeaway—USF may take more shots, but Louisville converts at a much higher rate. That efficiency will be critical if the Cardinals are going to control the game and avoid the upset.