Louisville vs Ohio: Cardinals Aim to Build Momentum After Kentucky Win

After a monumental victory over Kentucky, the No. 12 Louisville Cardinals (3-0) look to maintain their winning momentum when they host the Ohio Bobcats (1-2) at the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday, November 15. The game tips off at noon ET and serves as Louisville's final home stand before ACC play begins.

Louisville enters this matchup riding high, having defeated archrival Kentucky 96-88 on Tuesday. Led by sensational true freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr., who scored a career-high 29 points, and senior guard Ryan Conwell (24 points), the Cardinals showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. Louisville shot 44.9% from the field while forcing 14 turnovers against the Wildcats. Coach Pat Kelsey, who dislocated his finger during the post-game celebration, emphasized the team's defensive intensity as a key factor in their success.

Ohio, meanwhile, seeks to rebound from a 90-60 loss at Saint Mary's on Tuesday. The Bobcats, picked fourth in the MAC preseason poll, have struggled to find consistency early in Year 7 under coach Jeff Boals. Despite the blowout loss, Ohio features a balanced attack with four players averaging double figures. Senior guard Jackson Paveletzke leads the team with 18.0 points per game and scored 19 points against Saint Mary's. Point guard Aidan Hadaway complements him in the backcourt, creating a dynamic duo that could challenge Louisville's perimeter defense.

Game Details: How to Watch Louisville vs Ohio

Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville. The game will be televised nationally on The CW Network (WBKI-TV), with Rick Allen and Mike Gminski on the call. For those without cable, the game can be streamed via platforms like Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Radio coverage is available on the Cardinal Sports Network, with Paul Rogers and Bob Valvano providing the play-by-play. Fans can listen online through GoCards.com.

Betting Preview: Odds and Predictions

Louisville is a significant favorite, opening as 31.5-point favorites on DraftKings with an over/under set at 175.5 points. KenPom gives the Cardinals a 99% chance of victory, projecting a 97-72 final score. BartTorvik.com similarly predicts a 98-72 UofL win.

Despite the lopsided odds, Ohio presents value against the spread according to betting systems. The Bobcats are 1-2 against the spread this season but have covered in 37% of similar situations after a blowout loss. Their backcourt duo of Paveletzke and Hadaway averages 33 combined points per game, which could test Louisville's defense.

Key Matchups to Watch

"Louisville's ability to force turnovers against Ohio's young roster could be decisive. The Bobcats have seven new players and have committed 14+ turnovers in two of three games."

1. **Louisville's Backcourt vs Ohio's Perimeter Defense**: Brown and Conwell combined for 53 points against Kentucky. Can Ohio's undersized backcourt contain them?
2. **Rebounding Battle**: Louisville dominated the boards against Kentucky (+12 margin). Ohio must control the glass to avoid second-chance points.
3. **Ohio's Three-Point Shooting**: The Bobcats shoot 37% from deep. Louisville's perimeter defense will be tested if Ohio gets hot from beyond the arc.

What's Next

For Louisville, a win would solidify their status as a top-15 team heading into ACC play. Ohio will look to use this game as a tune-up before MAC conference action begins. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup offers a contrast in styles: Louisville's high-octane offense against Ohio's backcourt-driven attack.

Tip-off is at noon ET on The CW Network. Don't miss the Cardinals' final non-conference home game of the season.