Offense meets defense when the Florida State Seminoles (16-6, 5-5 ACC) travel to Louisville to take on the Cardinals (16-6, 6-3 ACC). The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Florida State Seminoles vs. Louisville Cardinals Free Prediction
In the Seminoles’ last matchup, they were topped by the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 76-72. Getting to the free throw line was one of Wake Forest’s biggest strengths. They made 28 trips to the line, while Florida State went 20 times. Phil Cofer was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
The Cardinals lost to the No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers in their last outing, 74-64. Virginia’s 10.8 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Louisville, who had a rate of 19.8. The Cavaliers’ mark was better than their season average of 13.2, while the Cardinals’ was above their season average of 14.6. Ray Spalding put together a solid performance for Louisville, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on 8-for-10 shooting.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Florida State (24th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 115.3) takes on the stingy defense of Louisville (38th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 96.3).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Seminoles lost 73-69. Terance Mann scored a game-high 25 points and also put up eight rebounds. The Cardinals had a much better turnover percentage (10.2 vs. 16.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.172 vs. 0.138).
Florida State Seminoles at Louisville Cardinals Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Florida State, ATS Winner – Florida State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Florida State ranks 25th in rebounds per game (39.6) while Louisville ranks 239th in rebounds allowed per game (37.9).
The Seminoles rank 40th in assists per game (16.3) while the Cardinals rank 164th (13.3).
Florida State averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 54th in the nation. Louisville ranks 124th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
The Cardinals rank second in blocks per game (7.0) while the Seminoles rank 58th in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
Louisville ranks 157th in three pointers attempted per game (21.6) while Florida State ranks 199th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
Betting Trends:
The Seminoles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 11.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.2 points per game (6.1 above their season average).
