Oklahoma Sooners vs Louisville Cardinals Picks and Predictions November 29th 2024

Louisville Takes Aim at Oklahoma in Tournament Final in Bahamas

Cardinals Eye Unexpected Title in Battle 4 Atlantis

Louisville, coming off its two worst seasons since the 1940s, finds itself on the brink of a remarkable turnaround. Under first-year coach Pat Kelsey, the Cardinals (5-1) are set to face undefeated Oklahoma (6-0) in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis on Friday in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

In a tournament featuring three ranked teams, this final matchup was far from anticipated.

Bet Smarter with NCAAB Expert Picks! Get top advice with NCAAB basketball expert picks.

Louisville’s Rebirth Under Pat Kelsey

The Cardinals have stunned the field with two statement wins. After demolishing No. 14 Indiana 89-61 in the opening round, Louisville edged West Virginia 79-70 in an overtime thriller on Thursday. This resurgence comes after Louisville’s 12-52 combined record over the past two seasons, marking an immediate transformation under Kelsey.

Kelsey, who led Charleston to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, has leveraged the transfer portal to rebuild the team. Louisville’s top seven scorers this season played for different Division I programs last year.

Chucky Hepburn Shines

Wisconsin transfer Chucky Hepburn has been the engine of Louisville’s success. Against West Virginia, Hepburn exploded for a career-high 32 points, including 10 in overtime. He also led the Cardinals in their opening-round rout of Indiana with 16 points, 10 assists, and seven steals.

“Chucky’s performance was spectacular,” Kelsey said. “That was one of the single most dominant performances on both ends of the floor as a point guard that I’ve ever seen.”

South Florida transfer Kasean Pryor and Reyne Smith, a holdover from Kelsey’s Charleston squad, have also contributed 27 points each across the two tournament games.

Oklahoma’s Path to the Final

The Sooners reached the championship with gritty wins over previously undefeated Providence (79-77) and No. 24 Arizona (82-77). Freshman point guard Jeremiah Fears has been pivotal, tallying 46 points and 12 assists in the tournament.

Fears, who just turned 18, now faces a seasoned counterpart in Hepburn, who has started all 109 games of his college career.

Jalon Moore’s Redemption

Oklahoma’s semifinal victory over Arizona was fueled by Jalon Moore’s 24 points and seven rebounds. Moore bounced back from a six-point outing in the opening round, with Sooners coach Porter Moser praising his attitude adjustment.

“He had a choice,” Moser said. “He can either get in his feelings or be the energy guy that he is and be great at what he’s good at. He chose, ‘I’m gonna be the leader that I am.'”

What’s at Stake

The Cardinals are seeking their first major tournament championship in years, while Oklahoma looks to remain undefeated and solidify its top-25 status. With Hepburn and Fears squaring off at point guard, this final promises a compelling clash of experience and youthful energy.