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N.C. State (18-6) vs Louisville (17-6)
- When: Feb 9 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
N.C. State vs (24) Louisville Preview & Prediction
Spread: Louisville -6.5
Moneyline: Louisville (-280)
Total: 161.5
Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview
Louisville enters as a 6.5 point favorite with the total posted at 161.5, and this matchup has track meet written all over it. Both teams average 85.7 points per game, so defense might need a coffee and a pep talk.
The Cardinals sit at 17 and 6 overall and 7 and 4 in conference play. They weathered a rough 4 and 4 stretch when point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was out with a back injury, but he has been back for five games and the offense looks balanced again. In their 88 to 80 win over Wake Forest, Louisville showed grit late, holding the Demon Deacons scoreless over the final minutes after the game was tied at 80.
Six players scored in double figures in that win. Sananda Fru poured in 17 points on a perfect 7 of 7 from the field. J Vonne Hadley added 15, Brown chipped in 12 with eight assists, and the bench provided key scoring. This is not a one man show. It is depth, pace, and confidence.
Betting lean: Louisville to win outright at home. Their offensive balance and recent defensive toughness should carry them through.
NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview
NC State comes in hot at 18 and 6 overall and 9 and 2 in the ACC, riding a six game winning streak. They are one of the better three point shooting teams in the country at 40.2 percent from deep, which makes them dangerous as a road underdog.
In their 82 to 73 win over Virginia Tech, the Wolfpack built an early 20 to 7 lead, weathered a push, then responded with a decisive 10 to 1 run. Paul McNeil Jr. and Tre Holloman sparked that surge from long range. McNeil finished with 21 points, matching Quadir Copeland, who also handed out 10 assists.
With five starters averaging double figures, NC State has the firepower to stay within striking distance all night. If they get clean looks from three, covering becomes very realistic.
Final Score Prediction
Louisville protects home court and wins the game behind balanced scoring and late game composure. However, NC State’s perimeter shooting keeps this from getting out of hand.
Final Score: Louisville 86, NC State 82
Lean: NC State +6.5
Total: Over 161.5
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
