Louisville basketball is gearing up for a critical clash against Duke, aiming to break a seven-game losing streak against the Blue Devils dating back to February 27, 2021. Under the leadership of coach Pat Kelsey, the Cardinals have showcased a mixed season, boasting a strong 9-1 record with standout guard Mikel Brown Jr. in the lineup but faltering to 2-2 without him. The freshman guard is set to miss his fifth consecutive game due to a back injury, raising questions about the team’s potential postseason prowess.
Despite recent struggles, Louisville is focused on sending a message with this upcoming game, which holds significance not only for their own season but also for the ACC landscape. The league office recognized the importance of this matchup, scheduling it twice this season, as Louisville was projected to be a formidable opponent to Duke in the chase for the conference title.
Louisville fans are encouraged to showcase their support with a planned stripe out at the KFC Yum! Center for Tuesday’s game, which marks the first of two encounters between the two teams within a short span. The return game is set for January 26 in Durham, North Carolina.
While the Cardinals are coming off a 80-76 loss to Stanford, which many experts viewed as an aberration rather than a downward trend, there are promising signs for Louisville. Guard Ryan Conwell’s recent performance was below his average—the player typically shoots 41.4% from three-point range at home, which is crucial for the team’s success against Duke’s defense. The Blue Devils have been vulnerable to deep shooting, allowing 39% from beyond the arc against Quadrant 1 opponents, while Louisville is shooting an impressive 53.4% in similar matchups, ranking 17th nationally.
Duke enters the game with a solid 12-1 record, led by standout freshman Cameron Boozer, who is emerging as a contender for national honors with averages of 23 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Despite their strong record, Duke has shown signs of vulnerability, struggling in tight contests against lower-tier teams in the conference.
This matchup presents Louisville with an opportunity to reaffirm its status as a national contender, demonstrating its capability when the team is firing on all cylinders. With home court advantage and a dedicated fanbase behind them, the Cardinals hope to turn the tide against their historic rival and leave a lasting impression on the college basketball landscape.