NCAAB Odds: Louisville vs Indiana Betting Tips

A matchup between nationally ranked programs hits the hardwood on Saturday when the No. 6 Louisville Cardinals take on the No. 22 Indiana Hoosiers. The blueblood programs have become relevant in the college basketball universe after both experienced several seasons of mediocrity. Both teams opened the season with seven consecutive victories.

The Cardinals have been impressive in the early part of the season winning their first seven games by an average of 33.7 points. The schedule has something to do with that, but there are nice wins over Kentucky and Cincinnati. The Hoosiers started 7-0 for the first time last making the NCAA Tournament three seasons ago.

Louisville vs. Indiana Preview

The Louisville Cardinals and Indiana Hoosiers clash in the CareSource Invitational at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN on Saturday, Dec. 6. The game tips at 2 p.m. ET and will be televised on CBS.

Public Betting Odds Factors

Based on the numbers it would be easy to back Louisville in this game. But consider the schedule and the Cardinals two closest games were against the best teams on it. They let a 20-point second half lead slip to 4 points before holding on to beat then No. 9 Kentucky 96-88.

You can’t argue with Louisville’s offensive efficiency. They’ve scored more than 100 points four times in their first seven games and rank 4th nationally with an average of 96.7 points. However, a defense that’s been equally good has allowed the Cardinals to cash the UNDER on the college basketball betting line in their last three games.

Hoisting and making 3-pointers is a huge part of Louisville’s offense. They attempt the fourth most triples in DI and make 13.3 a game, the second-best mark in the country.

Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely are the biggest deep threats with 52 made 3-pointers between them.

The Hoosiers aren’t that far off offensively hitting the century mark three times and averaging nearly 90 points a game. They scored a 100-77 win over Marquette earlier in the year in what was their only road game in their first seven.

While this game is a neutral site contest it might as well be a home game for IU. Indianapolis is only about an hour drive from Bloomington and the Hoosiers will be well represented. And they are 4-2 ATS in their home games this season.

Louisville vs. Indiana Predictions

The teams are quite similar in that they are efficient and produce on offense in addition to playing relentless defense. This also a measuring stick with both teams beginning a meatier part of their schedule.

Indiana should have an edge with the game being played so close to home and their unselfish play on offense will break down Louisville’s defenders. The Hoosiers average nearly 21 assists and shoot better than 50 percent from the floor.

Louisville vs. Indiana Betting Tips

The Cardinals have been dominant with five of their first seven wins by at least 25 points and two by more than 50 points. They also held five opponents to 70 points or less with the UNDER going 4-3.

Louisville has payouts in its last three games and is 5-2 against the college basketball betting odds in its first 7 contests.

IU is also 5-2 ATS in its first 7 games, including the last two.

Once in their first 7 games the Hoosiers played outside Bloomington beating Marquette 100-77 in Chicago in their second game. IU became the first team in almost three years to hit triple digits against the Golden Eagles.

Louisville vs. Indiana Head to Head and Key Stats

Louisville snapped a 2-game losing streak to IU with an 89-61 win last year. The game took place at a neutral site in the Bahamas with the Cardinals covering the 3.5-point spread.