Louisville vs. SMU Preview | Card Chronicle
The upcoming matchup between the Louisville Cardinals and the SMU Mustangs promises an intense showdown. Both teams are contending for postseason glory, with Louisville holding a current record of 19 wins and 6 losses, while SMU stands at 17 victories and 8 losses.
Matchup Overview
This game will take place at the Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas, with Louisville favored to win by 3.5 points. Historically, the Cardinals have an edge in this series, leading 10-2, and they secured a victory earlier this season, defeating the Mustangs 88-74 on January 31.
Recent Performance
Since their last meeting, SMU has experienced a mixed bag of results, winning two games against Pitt and Notre Dame, but suffering narrow losses to NC State and Syracuse. The Mustangs are striving to solidify their NCAA Tournament position, making this contest crucial.
Offensive Prowess of SMU
SMU excels offensively, ranking highly in various categories:
- Scoring Offense: 86.2 points per game (2nd in ACC, 19th in NCAA)
- Assists: 17.6 assists per game (2nd in ACC, 24th in NCAA)
- Field-Goal Percentage: 49.5% (3rd in ACC, 23rd in NCAA)
- 3-Point Percentage: 37.8% (2nd in ACC, 25th in NCAA)
- Free-Throw Percentage: 76.2% (5th in ACC, 49th in NCAA)
Key Players
Leading SMU is senior guard Boopie Miller, averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 assists per game. Known for his scoring versatility, Miller has the potential to change the game’s dynamics. His performance will be pivotal for SMU’s success.
Another significant player for SMU is Jaron Pierre Jr., who has transitioned smoothly into the ACC and is scoring an average of 17.4 points per game. His capability to drive to the basket makes him a valuable asset alongside Miller.
B.J. Edwards also stands out, contributing an average of 13.2 points and 5.0 assists. He is known for his defensive skills, leading the conference in steals this season.
Louisville’s Strengths
On the other side, the Cardinals are enjoying a successful season and have won five straight games, marking their best form since an initial 7-0 start. They rank 10th in the nation in scoring margin, averaging a significant +16.0 points per game.
Head coach Pat Kelsey has a remarkable record when leading in the final minutes, maintaining an unbeaten streak of 46-0 under these circumstances. Louisville’s dominance on defense has contributed to this impressive record, especially when limiting opponents to a single three-pointer.
Points of Interest
- Louisville is 4-1 in games against SMU played in Dallas.
- SMU has excelled at home this season, boasting a record of 13-2 at Moody Coliseum.
- Both coaches, Pat Kelsey and Andy Enfield, recently celebrated their 100th career victory.
- Louisville’s scoring prowess was highlighted when they scored 100 points in a game for the sixth time this season.
The upcoming contest in Dallas is not just a regular season game; it holds significant implications for both teams’ postseason ambitions. Expect a high-octane battle as both sides vie for a critical victory. Looking ahead, the stakes could not be higher, making this a must-watch event for basketball fans.
