NCAAB: Louisville at Clemson Game Preview

The Louisville Cardinals travel to Littlejohn Coliseum to face the Clemson Tigers on Saturday. Correlate that this is a key late-season ACC matchup with both teams in the middle-to-upper tier of the conference standings.

The Louisville Cardinals, under head coach Pat Kelsey in Year 2, have been strong offensively (averaging around 86.8 PPG) with efficient shooting. They're good in ACC play, showing improvement from last season. However, road games remain a test.

Still, the recent February form has been solid. Louisville has a consistent rebounding edge and assist numbers that highlight its balanced attack. Coming off recent games like vs. North Carolina, this is a tough back-to-back road stretch.

The Clemson Tigers have a slight edge in conference record and a strong home performance. They've been competitive in the ACC, with recent results including a loss to Florida State. But they've also posted solid metrics overall.

Defense and home-court energy at Littlejohn (known for tough atmosphere) are strengths. They're fighting to hold position ahead of teams like Louisville, Miami, and NC State.

Louisville sits around 6th-7th, while Clemson is positioned around 5th. A win could help either squad solidify a higher seed in the ACC Tournament (top-4 gets a double-bye) and boost their NCAA Tournament resume with a Quad 1 opportunity.

Louisville at Clemson Preview

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Clemson Tigers will host the Louisville Cardinals at Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC. Tipoff time is 2 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN2.

Public Betting Odds Factors

Historically, this series has been competitive, with Louisville winning some recent tournament matchups.

Specifically, the matchup pits Louisville's high-powered offense against Clemson's home strength and conference positioning.

Expect a physical, mid-major-style battle—both teams play at a decent pace but can grind defensively in big spots.

Clemson has a slight home edge in a close, important ACC clash that could go down to the wire.

Louisville's offense might have upset potential if it controls the tempo.

Louisville at Clemson Predictions

Handicapping Factors to Consider

Louisville enters with momentum (strong February form, efficient shooting).

Clemson has hit a rough patch with recent losses, including defeats to teams like Virginia Tech and Duke.

Those losses have dropped their standing, making this a "must-protect-home" spot.

This has the potential to upset a tight ACC race.

Louisville's blueprint (efficient shooting, balance) matches up well if they handle the road environment.

To conclude, the Cards could cover the NCAA basketball spread or win the game outright.

Louisville at Clemson Prime Best Bet: Louisville Cardinals

Louisville at Clemson Betting Tips

Louisville Cardinals

Louisville has national rankings of 21^st in scoring offense, 58th in field goal percentage, 66th in 3-point field goal percentage, 16th in free throw percentage, and 20th in offensive rebounding.

The Cardinals rank 93^rd for scoring defense, 45^th for field goal percentage permitted, 104^th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 120^th for defensive rebounding.

The Louisville Cardinals are 20-7 straight up, 13-14 against the spread, and 11-16 over/under the total.

Louisville has covered two out of its last four games.

The Cardinals have gone over the total in three of their previous five matchups.

Clemson Tigers

Clemson has national rankings of 254^th in scoring offense, 146th in field goal percentage, 194th in 3-point field goal percentage, 177th in free throw percentage, and 229th in offensive rebounding.

The Tigers rank 13^th for scoring defense, 46th for field goal percentage permitted, 63^rd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 48^th for defensive rebounding.