No. 25 Louisville Heads to SMU in a Battle of Rising Teams

Louisville travels to Dallas on Tuesday night to take on SMU, buzzing as the No. 25 team in the nation. With first-year head coach Pat Kelsey leading the charge, the Cardinals have transformed their program, while SMU is thriving in its debut ACC season under Andy Enfield.

Louisville: Turning the Tide

Louisville (14-5, 7-1 ACC) is back in the spotlight after last year’s rough 8-24 season. Ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time this season, the Cardinals are on the rise under Kelsey. Despite the success, Kelsey keeps his team grounded. “Your ranking is about what you’ve done so far, not what you’re going to do next,” he said.

At the heart of their resurgence is Chucky Hepburn. The Wisconsin transfer has been a game-changer, averaging 15.2 points per game and dishing out at least seven assists in eight straight games. With a plus-2.8 assist-to-turnover ratio, Hepburn is proving he’s one of the ACC’s best floor generals.

SMU: Offense with a Defensive Edge

SMU (14-4, 5-2 ACC) has transitioned smoothly into the ACC, making a big statement with their 117-point explosion against Miami—the most points scored in an ACC game since 2003. While the offense grabs headlines, head coach Andy Enfield credits the team’s success to defense, especially in their 54-52 grind-it-out win over Virginia.

Leading the charge is Boopie Miller, a Wake Forest transfer averaging 14.7 points and six assists per game. Miller’s court vision and playmaking have been pivotal, as has his ability to spark SMU’s defense into offense. The Mustangs average 16.7 points off turnovers per game, with Chuck Harris, Matt Cross, and B.J. Edwards all contributing double-digit scoring.

What to Watch

This matchup pits two rising programs with fresh leadership. Louisville’s Chucky Hepburn is a steadying force, directing the Cardinals’ disciplined approach, while SMU’s Boopie Miller powers a fast-paced, turnover-driven game. The clash of styles will test both teams’ ability to adapt and execute under pressure.

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Prediction

Louisville’s momentum and Hepburn’s leadership give them the upper hand, but SMU’s home-court advantage and ability to capitalize on turnovers make them a dangerous opponent. If the Cardinals can keep SMU’s transition game in check, they’re likely to leave Dallas with a big win. Otherwise, the Mustangs could pull off an impressive upset in front of their home crowd.