Virginia Cavaliers vs Louisville Cardinals Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Louisville Looks to Stay Hot, Break Jinx vs. Virginia

Louisville is riding a wave of momentum as it visits Virginia for an Atlantic Coast Conference clash on Saturday in Charlottesville, Va. The Cardinals aim to extend their impressive start to 2025, while the Cavaliers seek to maintain their home dominance.

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Louisville Aims to Extend Win Streak

The Cardinals (9-5, 2-1 ACC) enter the game on a three-game winning streak, including an 83-70 victory over North Carolina on New Year’s Day. Chucky Hepburn led the charge with 26 points, including a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line in the final three minutes to seal the win.

Terrence Edwards Jr., who averages 14.1 points per game, contributed defensively by limiting All-American RJ Davis to 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting.
“I thought our guys were really good in that regard. It was probably our best defensive effort of the year,” said first-year coach Pat Kelsey.

Adding to the excitement, the Cardinals landed a major recruiting win when five-star point guard Mikel Brown Jr. announced his commitment during halftime of the North Carolina game. Ranked No. 10 nationally and No. 1 at his position in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports, Brown represents a significant step forward for Kelsey’s program.

Virginia Looks to Build on Gritty Comeback

Virginia (8-5, 1-1 ACC) is coming off a dramatic 70-67 home win over North Carolina State, where the Cavaliers overcame a 14-point second-half deficit. The victory marked the first ACC win for interim coach Ron Sanchez.
“I told them that’s not mine, that’s ours, and it’s really yours because I didn’t make a basket today,” Sanchez said.

Elijah Saunders scored 22 points, his fifth game with at least 15 points in the last six outings. Isaac McKneely added 14 points, including four 3-pointers, to help the Cavaliers improve to 7-1 at home this season.

Historical Edge for Virginia

Despite Louisville’s recent success, Virginia has been a nemesis. The Cavaliers have won the last nine meetings and 18 of the past 19 since 2016. Louisville has historically struggled in Charlottesville, going 1-11 all-time on Virginia’s home court.

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Key Matchups and Factors

• Chucky Hepburn’s Hot Hand: Hepburn’s clutch free-throw shooting and scoring ability will be pivotal against Virginia’s defense.
• Elijah Saunders’ Consistency: Saunders continues to be a reliable offensive force for the Cavaliers, making him a key player to watch.
• Louisville’s Defense: The Cardinals’ ability to limit top scorers, as seen against North Carolina, will be tested against Virginia’s balanced attack.
• Road Challenges: Louisville must overcome its historical struggles in Charlottesville to keep its momentum alive.

Louisville seeks to build on its best stretch of the season, while Virginia looks to continue its dominance in the series. The game promises to be a hard-fought battle between two teams looking to establish themselves in ACC play.