Kentucky (2-0) vs Louisville (2-0)
- When: Nov 11 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(9) Kentucky vs (12) Louisville Preview & Prediction
Spread: Louisville -5.0
Moneyline: Louisville (-205)
Total: 173.5
Louisville Cardinals Betting Breakdown
The battle for Bluegrass bragging rights returns to the KFC Yum! Center, and the Louisville Cardinals have revenge on their minds. Louisville enters at 2-0, looking sharp under coach Pat Kelsey, who’s quickly injected pace and confidence into his squad. After steamrolling South Carolina State and Jackson State by a combined 95 points, the Cards have rediscovered their offensive swagger, scoring 100+ in both games for the first time in over a decade.
Sophomore Khani Rooths has been the breakout star early on, averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds while stepping into a starting role. With veteran J’Vonne Hadley still questionable due to concussion protocol, Rooths’ energy and versatility will be key against Kentucky’s deep rotation. The return of Kasean Pryor from his ACL injury also adds a major boost. Pryor’s size and rebounding give Louisville another dimension, and he’s likely to see extended minutes as he regains form.
Kelsey knows this one is personal. The Cards have dropped three straight to Kentucky and six of the last seven overall, but this time the matchup feels closer. Louisville’s offense is firing, their home crowd will be deafening, and they’ve shown they can overwhelm opponents with speed and physicality.
Kentucky Wildcats Betting Breakdown
The Wildcats, meanwhile, look just as dangerous. Ranked ninth nationally, Mark Pope’s squad has stormed out of the gate with dominant wins over Nicholls and Valparaiso. Kentucky’s calling card early on has been balance, seven different players averaging double digits and relentless rebounding led by freshman big man Malachi Moreno, who posted 18 points and 10 boards in just 19 minutes last time out.
Pope’s frontcourt is loaded with length, and Moreno’s strength has turned heads. The 7-footer plays with surprising physicality and elite instincts around the rim. Add in Collin Chandler’s sharpshooting and Reed Sheppard’s backcourt leadership, and the Wildcats look capable of scoring from everywhere.
Kentucky’s biggest edge lies in experience and rhythm. They’ve dominated this rivalry lately and know how to handle the emotion of the matchup. But Pope has warned his team that Louisville’s pace could test their transition defense, especially if the Cardinals push the tempo early.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
Louisville’s home crowd will bring playoff-level energy, and their offense has been red-hot, but Kentucky’s depth and inside strength could prove decisive late. Expect a fast-paced game with both teams trading runs before Kentucky’s frontcourt and bench depth tilt the balance.
Final Score: Kentucky 91, Louisville 87
Lean: Kentucky (+160)
Total: Over 173.5
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
