SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The Notre Dame Fighting Irish look to build on their double-overtime win at Boston College as they host the surging Louisville Cardinals on Sunday at Purcell Pavilion. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET.
Louisville (19-6, 12-2 ACC) enters the contest as one of the hottest teams in the conference, having won 13 of its last 14 games, including a dominant 91-66 victory over NC State on Wednesday. The Cardinals boast one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the ACC, averaging 79.7 points per game while holding opponents to 69.3. Guard Chucky Hepburn leads the way, averaging 15.0 points and 6.2 assists per game. Reyne Smith provides a significant deep threat, ranking second in the nation in made three-pointers per game (3.84).
Notre Dame (11-13, 5-8 ACC) snapped a three-game losing streak with its 97-94 double-overtime thriller against Boston College. Freshman guard Markus Burton continues to be the focal point for the Irish offense, leading the team with 21.3 points per game. The Irish will need a strong performance from big man Kebba Njie (6.4 rebounds per game) to counter Louisville’s aggressive rebounding effort, which ranks among the top in the conference.
Louisville holds a 26-19 edge in the all-time series, but Notre Dame has defended its home court well, winning 11 of 17 matchups in South Bend. The Cardinals have not defeated the Irish since February 23, 2021, dropping the last four meetings.
Key Matchup:
Louisville’s perimeter shooting vs. Notre Dame’s perimeter defense. The Cardinals attempt 30.2 three-pointers per game, ranking eighth nationally. If the Irish, who rank third in the ACC in opponent three-point percentage (31.7%), can contain Louisville’s deep shooters, they could keep the game close.
Prediction:
Louisville 78, Notre Dame 70. The Cardinals’ depth and three-point shooting give them the edge as they continue their push toward the top of the ACC standings.