Time: 6:35 p.m. ET
TV: ACC Network
Vegas Line: Louisville -4.5
Probable Lineups:
The 25th ranked Louisville men’s basketball team is back in action on Wednesday night for a top-25 matchup with no. 19 Virginia Tech. Louisville enters as winners of three straight, most recently defeating Boston College on the road this past Saturday. Virginia Tech is 7-1 with impressive wins over both Villanova and Clemson.
Back in the Yum tonight vs the VTech Hokies. Huge challenge for Team 107. Let’s get it Cards!! #GameDayGIF pic.twitter.com/KD1rLhsxeY
— Chris Mack (@CoachChrisMack) January 6, 2021
Louisville leads the all time series 35-8, including an 18-3 record at home. The Cards are on a 16-game winning streak against the Hokies dating back to 1992. UofL is 7-0 in the series since joining the ACC in 2014.
6-9 junior Keve Aluma leads Va. Tech in scoring, rebounding and blocks through nine games. Aluma averaged just 6.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in his sophomore season at Wofford in 2019. He transferred once his coach Mike Young took over in Blacksburg, redshirted last season and has turned into a star for this Virginia Tech team. Aluma is someone who finishes around the rim, rebounds and draws fouls. This will be a big test for a Louisville frontcourt that has struggled defend talented bigs.
So far this season, Virginia Tech has shot and made a ton of three pointers. The Hokies have made over 36 percent of their shots from long range on 24 attempts per game. Nahiem Alleyne and Tyrece Radford are a good backcourt duo to compliment Aluma.
This is a Virginia Tech team that is capable of putting up a lot of points, but they have their holes defensively. Like most games so far this season, it feels like Louisville is going to win or lose this game on the offensive end. Aluma will probably be able to score inside, but this is a good matchup for the Cards’ backcourt.
It has been a two man show for Louisville on offense the majority of the season. The Cards have another chance at getting their first win over a ranked opponent, this time at full strength. We are going to learn a lot about this Louisville team on Wednesday. The opportunity is there for a statement win.
Prediction:
Louisville 76 Virginia Tech 73
