Game Details:
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
- Broadcast: CBS
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Louisville -2.5
- Moneyline: Louisville -145 | Creighton +120
- Over/Under: 145.5 points
Louisville Cardinals Overview (27-7, 18-2 ACC)
Under first-year head coach Pat Kelsey, the Louisville Cardinals have experienced a dramatic turnaround, dominating the ACC with an 18-2 record. Their balanced attack averages 78.6 points per game, while defensively, they hold opponents to 68.9 points per game.
Key Players to Watch:
- Terrence Edwards Jr. (16.6 PPG): The Cardinals’ leading scorer and offensive catalyst.
- Chucky Hepburn (16.2 PPG, 5.8 APG): Dynamic playmaker who can score and distribute.
- J’Vonne Hadley (12.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG): Provides interior scoring and rebounding toughness.
Creighton Bluejays Overview (24-10, 15-5 Big East)
Creighton comes in as a No. 9 seed after a strong showing in the Big East. The Bluejays average 75.2 points per game and allow 69.5 points per game.
Key Players to Watch:
- Ryan Kalkbrenner (19.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.7 BPG): The anchor in the paint, providing scoring, rim protection, and rebounding.
- Steven Ashworth (16.3 PPG, 6.8 APG): The floor general with strong shooting and passing abilities.
Key Matchups:
- Guard Play: Louisville’s Edwards Jr. and Hepburn vs. Creighton’s perimeter defense. Their penetration and ability to create scoring chances will shape the game.
- Interior Battle: Hadley vs. Kalkbrenner. Kalkbrenner’s shot-blocking could disrupt Louisville’s inside presence, but Hadley’s physicality matters.
Betting Angles:
Against the Spread (ATS):
- Louisville: 20-14-0 (58.8%)
- Creighton: 19-13-2 (55.9%)
Over/Under Trends:
- Louisville: Total has gone over in 12 of 34 games (35.3%)
- Creighton: Total has gone over in 16 of 34 games (47.1%)
Best Bets & Predictions:
🔥 Best Bet: Over 145.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: Louisville -2.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Ryan Kalkbrenner Over 18.5 points
Final Prediction:
Expect a tightly contested battle with both teams leaning on their strengths: Louisville’s backcourt dominance vs. Creighton’s interior power. Louisville’s momentum and guard play give them the edge, but Kalkbrenner could keep Creighton in the fight. The OVER looks enticing given both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Conclusion:
The first-round matchup between Louisville and Creighton showcases a compelling battle of styles. Fans should expect an exciting, competitive game with solid betting opportunities focused on the spread and total points.
