The Louisville men’s basketball program got the first day of the ACC Tournament off. As the No. 6 seed, they are set to face the No. 11 seed SMU Mustangs on March 11, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Louisville has had a strong season, boasting a record of 22-9 and an 11-7 mark in the ACC. They have demonstrated impressive scoring capabilities, averaging 85.9 points per game, which ranks them 16th in college basketball. Their scoring differential of +416 further highlights their offensive strength, as they also rank fourth in the nation for three-pointers made per game, averaging 11.9.
Breaking Development
However, the team faces significant challenges as they head into the tournament. Key players Mikel Brown Jr. and B.J. Edwards will not participate due to injuries. Coach Pat Kelsey commented on Brown’s situation, stating, “Mikel wants to play in the ACC Tournament, but we believe it is best to have him continue his path of improvement and have him 100% for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.” This decision underscores the team’s focus on long-term success over immediate participation.
In their last outing, Louisville secured a narrow victory against the Miami Hurricanes, winning 92-89, marking their second consecutive win. This momentum could be crucial as they prepare to face SMU, who recently snapped a four-game losing streak with an 86-69 victory over the Syracuse Orange in the first round of the tournament.
Looking Ahead
Historically, the teams have split their regular-season matchups, with Louisville winning 88-74 at home and SMU taking a 95-85 victory at their venue. As they prepare for their matchup, Louisville’s ability to maintain their scoring prowess without key players will be tested.
Tip-off for the game is set for 2:30 p.m. EST. Observers are keen to see how Louisville adapts to the absence of their injured players and whether they can continue their strong performance in the tournament.