Louisville Cardinals vs Clemson Tigers Picks and Predictions January 7th 2025

Louisville Seeks Fifth Straight Win in ACC Showdown Against Clemson

Improved and hungry for continued success, Louisville will face a significant test Tuesday night when it hosts Clemson in a high-stakes Atlantic Coast Conference matchup.

Louisville’s Revival Under Pat Kelsey

The Cardinals (10-5, 3-1 ACC) are riding a four-game winning streak, their best run since the 2020-21 season. First-year head coach Pat Kelsey has energized the program with a disciplined and balanced approach. Louisville’s impressive recent victories over Florida State, North Carolina, and Virginia have sparked optimism and vaulted the Cardinals into ESPN’s projected NCAA Tournament field as one of the “last four in.”

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Kelsey, however, remains laser-focused on the immediate task. “Our sole focus, 100 percent focus, is to get ready for one of the best teams in our entire conference in a big-time showdown,” he said.

Louisville’s balanced offense features four players averaging double figures in scoring. Chucky Hepburn leads the team with 15.5 points and 5.5 assists per game, while the Cardinals’ defensive improvement has also been instrumental in their recent success.

Clemson’s Hot Start in ACC Play

The Tigers (12-3, 4-0 ACC) are off to one of their best starts in program history, matching their third-best ACC opening at 4-0. A victory in Louisville would tie the 1996-97 squad for the second-best conference start at 5-0.

Clemson is riding a three-game winning streak, including an 80-68 triumph over Cal in their most recent outing. Guard Chase Hunter, the Tigers’ leading scorer at 17.3 points per game, shined in that game, shooting 8-for-12 from the field.

Head coach Brad Brownell knows the challenges of ACC play are just beginning. “I told our team we just play so many more games than football, that this is just part of it,” Brownell said. “You just have to fight through some things, and other teams are going to play well, and you’re going to have a hard time guarding certain guys.”

Key Matchup: Louisville’s Balance vs. Clemson’s Hunter

The game will likely hinge on whether Louisville can contain Clemson’s Chase Hunter while continuing to execute its balanced offensive attack. Both teams have momentum, making this a pivotal game in ACC play.

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What’s at Stake

For Louisville, a fifth straight win would bolster its NCAA Tournament hopes and continue a dramatic program turnaround under Kelsey. For Clemson, a win would solidify its position as one of the top teams in the conference and extend its historic ACC start.

Tipoff promises an electric atmosphere as both teams aim to prove their mettle in this marquee matchup.