The Miami Hurricanes (8-5, 0-1 ACC) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they clash with the Louisville Cardinals (9-4) at KFC Yum! Center. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Louisville Cardinals ATS Prediction
The last time the Hurricanes played, they thoroughly outplayed the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, 83-62. The Hurricanes had a much better free throw rate (0.377 vs. 0.197) and had a much better turnover percentage (12.8 vs. 20.4). Miami was led by Anthony Lawrence II, who contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Cardinals defeated the Nicholls Colonels in their last matchup, 85-72. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Louisville’s biggest strengths. They had 55 free throw attempts, while Nicholls had just 16. Steven Enoch was Louisville’s leading scorer with 15 points on 3-for-4 shooting from the field.
A focal point for the Louisville offense is getting to the free throw line. The Cardinals rank second in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.383), but Miami is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking ninth by yielding a FTA rate of 0.149). Additionally, the Hurricanes, who rank 267th in offensive rebounding percentage (26.0 percent), might have a tough time getting put-back points against the Cardinals, who rank 27th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.7 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Dejan Vasiljevic (0 points) has been fantastic for the Hurricanes while Jordan Nwora (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Cardinals.
After the Hurricanes won the lone contest against the Cardinals last season, 78-75, these teams will meet for the first time this year. Miami had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.9 vs. 27.9). Louisville, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.6 vs. 15.1).
Miami Hurricanes vs. Louisville Cardinals ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Louisville, ATS Winner – Miami, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Louisville ranks 82nd in rebounds per game (37.8) while Miami ranks 179th in rebounds allowed per game (36.4).
The Hurricanes rank 45th in blocks per game (4.4) while the Cardinals rank 98th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Louisville averages 23.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 127th in the NCAA. Miami ranks 150th in three pointers allowed per game (23.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Hurricanes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.0, up from 8.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 86.0 points per game (7.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
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