Louisville Cardinals vs Virginia Cavaliers Picks and Predictions January 13th 2026

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The Louisville Cardinals look to defend their home floor, while the Virginia Cavaliers aim to extend their winning streak in this ACC clash at the KFC Yum! Center.

Line Movement and Odds

Louisville enters as the slight favorite, but Virginia’s efficiency and momentum make this line competitive. Current market:

  • Louisville Spread: -3.5 (-113)
  • Virginia Spread: +3.5 (-110)
  • Louisville MoneyLine: -183
  • Virginia MoneyLine: +144
  • Total: 154.5 (-110)

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Matchup Breakdown

Louisville Outlook

The Cardinals average 88.3 points per game, with Ryan Conwell and Mikel Brown Jr. leading the offense when healthy. In their absence, Sananda Fru stepped up with 19 points and 13 rebounds vs Boston College, while Adrian Wooley added 16 points. Louisville’s perimeter shooting (11.8 threes per game) and rebounding highlight their strengths. Their 9-1 home record underscores the advantage of playing at the KFC Yum! Center, though consistency against ranked opponents remains a challenge.

Virginia Outlook

The Cavaliers average 85.1 points per game, with Thijs De Ridder and Chance Mallory driving production. De Ridder’s 22 points vs Stanford showcased his scoring punch, while Mallory’s energy off the bench added balance. Virginia’s shooting efficiency (48.2% FG, 56.5% eFG) and defensive pressure highlight their strengths. Their 14-2 record and three-game winning streak show momentum, while their ability to perform as underdogs (2-0 ATS) suggests resilience in tough matchups.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on perimeter defense and rebounding. Louisville thrives on three-point shooting and home-court energy, while Virginia must rely on efficient scoring and defensive stops to counter. Late-game execution will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Louisville: Ryan Conwell (day-to-day) and Mikel Brown Jr. (out, wrist) remain question marks. London Johnson could debut after G League eligibility clearance.

Virginia: Jacari White (broken wrist) remains sidelined but is nearing a return.

Environment

The KFC Yum! Center has been a reliable venue for Louisville, where they’ve gone 9-1 this season. Virginia enters with confidence from three straight wins, making this a clash of home strength vs road resilience.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Louisville 86, Virginia 84

  • Virginia +3.5 → Best Bet. Their balanced scoring and defensive efficiency suggest they can stay within the number.
  • Over 154.5 → Total play. Both teams’ offensive strengths point toward a combined score above the line.

Louisville’s home-court advantage should carry them to victory, while Virginia’s efficiency keeps the spread in play. Expect a high-scoring contest with totals surpassing the posted number.

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