The upcoming NCAA Tournament first-round matchup between the Creighton Bluejays and the Louisville Cardinals promises to be an exciting contest. As the No. 8 seed, Louisville (27-7) will face off against the No. 9 seed, Creighton (24-10), on March 20, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. This game is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their unique strengths and strategies to the court.
Game Overview
Date and Time: March 20, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. ET
Venue: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
Broadcast: CBS
Team Performance and Recent Form
Creighton Bluejays:
- Overall Record: 24-10
- Conference Record: 15-5 (Big East)
- Recent Form: 4-1 in the last five games
- Key Players: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Jackson McAndrew, Steven Ashworth
Louisville Cardinals:
- Overall Record: 27-7
- Conference Record: 18-2 (ACC)
- Recent Form: 4-1 in the last five games
- Key Players: Terrence Edwards Jr., Chucky Hepburn, Khani Rooths
Statistical Comparison
Offensive and Defensive Stats:
| Statistic |
Creighton Bluejays |
Louisville Cardinals |
| Points per Game (PPG) |
75.2 |
78.6 |
| Points Allowed per Game (PAPG) |
69.5 |
68.9 |
| Field Goal Percentage (FG%) |
43.3% |
39.1% |
| Three-Point Percentage (3P%) |
23.1% |
26.9% |
| Free Throw Percentage (FT%) |
50% |
50% |
| Rebounds per Game (RPG) |
37.7 |
37.4 |
| Assists per Game (APG) |
17.1 |
14.0 |
Betting Odds and Tips
Current Betting Odds:
- Spread: Louisville -2.5
- Total Points (Over/Under): 145.5
- Moneyline: Louisville -141, Creighton +119
Betting Insights:
- Against the Spread (ATS): Louisville has a 20-14 ATS record, while Creighton is 20-13-1 ATS this season.
- Over/Under (O/U): Louisville games have gone over the total in 12 games, while Creighton games have gone over 16 times.
- Moneyline: Louisville has been the moneyline favorite 26 times this season, winning 22 of those games.
Key Matchups and Analysis
- Guard Play:The matchup between the guards will be crucial. Louisville’s Terrence Edwards Jr. and Chucky Hepburn have been instrumental in their team’s success, providing scoring and playmaking abilities. On the other hand, Creighton’s Steven Ashworth will need to step up and control the tempo for the Bluejays.
- Rebounding Battle:Both teams are evenly matched in terms of rebounding, with Creighton averaging 37.7 RPG and Louisville 37.4 RPG. The battle on the boards will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game. Players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Khani Rooths will play pivotal roles in securing rebounds and providing second-chance opportunities.
- Three-Point Shooting:Creighton relies heavily on their three-point shooting, averaging nearly 28 attempts per game but converting only about 34%. If they have an off-day from beyond the arc, it could spell trouble for the Bluejays. Louisville’s defense will need to focus on closing out on shooters and contesting shots to limit Creighton’s effectiveness from long range.
- Defensive Strategies:Louisville’s defense has been solid, allowing opponents to score an average of 68.9 PPG. They will need to maintain their defensive intensity and disrupt Creighton’s offensive rhythm. Creighton, on the other hand, will need to tighten up their defense, especially in transition, to prevent easy baskets for Louisville.
Prediction
Based on the current form, statistical analysis, and betting odds, Louisville is favored to win this matchup. The Cardinals have shown consistency throughout the season and have a slight edge in terms of overall talent and depth. However, Creighton has the potential to pull off an upset if they can execute their game plan effectively and hit their shots from beyond the arc.
Predicted Score: Louisville 75, Creighton 71.
Betting Tips
Spread Bet: Louisville -2.5
- Louisville has a strong record against the spread when favored by 2.5 points or more. They have covered the spread in 13 out of 23 games this season when playing as at least 2.5-point favorites.
Over/Under Bet: Over 145.5
- Both teams have shown the ability to score, with their combined average points per game being 153.8, which is 8.3 points higher than the total for this game. Betting on the over could be a smart move given their offensive capabilities.
Moneyline Bet: Louisville -141
- Louisville has been reliable when favored on the moneyline, winning 84% of their games in this scenario. Betting on Louisville to win straight up provides a good balance of risk and reward.
Conclusion
The Creighton Bluejays vs. Louisville Cardinals matchup is set to be an exciting and closely contested game. With both teams bringing their strengths and unique styles of play, fans can expect a thrilling encounter. Louisville holds a slight edge in terms of betting odds and overall performance, but Creighton has the potential to surprise if they can execute their game plan effectively.
Whether you’re a fan of college basketball or a bettor looking for insights, this game offers plenty of excitement and opportunities. Be sure to tune in and enjoy the action as these two teams battle it out for a spot in the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
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