Louisville men’s basketball is set to kick off ACC play as they face Virginia Tech on the road in Blacksburg. The game, which will be televised on the ACC Network, is scheduled to tip-off at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.
The Cardinals are entering the contest with a two-game winning streak after securing victories against New Mexico State and Bellarmine. On the other hand, the Hokies have dropped their last two games against Florida Atlantic and Auburn.
Louisville has historically dominated the series against Virginia Tech, leading with a record of 36-10. However, they have stumbled in their past two matchups against the Hokies. Assistant coach Kenny Payne has yet to secure a win against Virginia Tech, holding an 0-1 record.
Heading into the game, Louisville boasts an impressive defensive performance, particularly against the three-point shot. After struggling to defend the perimeter in their first two games, allowing 45.5% shooting from beyond the arc, the Cardinals have tightened up their defense. In their past five games, they have held opponents to a combined 20.5% shooting from three-point range.
Offensively, Louisville has excelled at drawing fouls and capitalizing from the free-throw line. They currently rank fifth in the country in free-throw attempts per game and seventh in made free throws per game. Their ability to generate fouls has resulted in a significant advantage, as they have made more free throws than their opponents have even attempted.
Young guard Skyy Clark has been a key contributor for Louisville in recent games. Despite struggling in the team’s first three games, Clark has found his groove, averaging 22.3 points per game in the last three outings. His improved shooting, both from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, has been a significant boost for the Cardinals.
Another standout performer for Louisville has been freshman guard Ty-Laur Johnson. In their last four games, he has registered 21 assists while committing just 10 turnovers. Johnson’s ability to facilitate for his teammates has been instrumental in the team’s success.
Although Louisville has faced deficits in the first half of their games this season, they have consistently outscored their opponents in the second half. Their ability to make halftime adjustments and increase their offensive output has been a defining factor in their games. In fact, they have scored over 50 points in the second half on three occasions in November, a first in the program’s history.
Looking back at their last meeting with Virginia Tech, the Cardinals fell short in a 71-54 loss. A scoring drought at a crucial moment hindered their comeback attempt, allowing the Hokies to secure the victory. Offensive rebounds played a significant role for Virginia Tech, as they accumulated 18 offensive boards and 24 second-chance points.
As they prepare for their ACC opener, Louisville will be seeking to avenge their previous loss to Virginia Tech. With their improved defensive performance and contributions from key players, the Cardinals will look to start conference play on a positive note. The game promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams.
