Virginia Tech Hokies vs Louisville Cardinals Picks and Prediction for Saturday, January 24, 2026
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Virginia Tech enters Saturday at 15-5 overall and tied for sixth at 4-3 in ACC play after a 76-74 road win at Syracuse. Louisville is 13-5 overall and sits at 3-3 in conference play, tied for 8th, coming off a dominant 100-59 road victory at Pitt. This matchup features two ACC teams trending differently over the last week, with Virginia Tech winning three of its last four while Louisville rebounded sharply after a home loss to Virginia. Get a betting edge with our college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, January 24
- Time: 3:30 PM ET
- Location: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY
- TV: The CW Network
Virginia Tech Hokies Preview
Virginia Tech has been productive offensively, averaging 82.0 points per game while playing with balance around Amani Hansberry. Hansberry leads the Hokies with 15.5 points per game and also tops the team on the glass at 8.6 rebounds per game, giving Virginia Tech a steady interior scoring and rebounding presence. Neoklis Avdalas runs the offense at 5.1 assists per game, and Ben Hammond adds scoring support while leading the team defensively with 1.9 steals per game.
The Hokies’ margin tightens against teams that control the paint and limit second-chance looks. Virginia Tech averages 36.5 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game, and offensive effectiveness can dip when Avdalas is pressured. Defensively, the Hokies allow 74.1 points per game and rely on team positioning rather than rim protection, with Hansberry leading the squad at 0.7 blocks per game. Tyler Johnson remains out indefinitely.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 82.0
- Points Allowed: 74.1
- Rebounds: 36.5
- Assists: 14.5
- Steals: 7.2
- Blocks: 3.6
- Turnovers: 10.3
Louisville Cardinals Preview
Louisville has been the more consistent team on both ends, scoring 87.9 points per game while allowing just 69.6. Ryan Conwell leads the Cardinals with an average of 19.8 points per game, providing a primary scoring option who can stretch defenses. Sananda Fru anchors the interior with averages of 10.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and a team-high 1.2 blocks per game, while J’Vonne Hadley contributes with scoring, rebounding, and perimeter defense.
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Louisville’s advantage shows up in the areas that often decide conference games. The Cardinals average 41.3 rebounds and 17.9 assists per game, and they defend without sacrificing offense. Louisville also protects possessions better than most opponents Virginia Tech has faced, turning the ball over 11.3 times per game while forcing opponents into tougher, contested shots. Mikel Brown Jr. remains out indefinitely, while Spencer Legg and Khani Rooths are listed as questionable.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 87.9
- Points Allowed: 69.6
- Rebounds: 41.3
- Assists: 17.9
- Steals: 7.3
- Blocks: 3.4
- Turnovers: 11.3
Virginia Tech Hokies vs Louisville Cardinals Prediction
Louisville holds clear on defense and rebounding, and will use those over the course of the full game to build a lead. Virginia Tech can score enough to remain competitive early behind Hansberry and Avdalas, but Louisville’s ability to defend the paint and limit second chances will be the difference maker. Conwell’s scoring gives the Cardinals the best late-game option, while Fru’s interior presence is an added advantage. Final Score Prediction: Louisville Cardinals win and cover ATS, 89-74.
Best Picks
- Louisville Cardinals
- Over
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