Chattanooga vs Louisville Prediction 11/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Chattanooga vs Louisville Prediction

Louisville is obviously the more talented team and capable of taking the Mocs behind the wood shed. On paper, this is the best team Louisville has had in quite some time. However, Louisville is also a brand new team that may take some time to build chemistry. Chattanooga may not have the playmakers that Louisville has, but this is a massive team with extreme height and physicality, and that gives the Mocs a chance to hang around.

Defend and make things difficult. We’re not asking Chattanooga to win, but 30-plus points is a lot for a season opener while guys are still getting their feet under them. I’ll grab the points with Chattanooga on Monday night.

Chattanooga Mocs Betting Preview

Chattanooga won 13 games last season and enters year five under coach Dan Earl. Chattanooga hasn’t made the big dance since the 2021-22 season.

Tate Darner returns after averaging 9.9 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Sean Cusano averaged 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds. Josh Bowman averaged 2.5 rebounds per game, and Houston Holland played in 283 minutes last season. Chattanooga saw a lot of roster turnover as Darner is the only returning starter, but he is a preseason All-SoCon selection. There are double-digit new faces on this roster, but there are eight players who stand at least 6’7”, so this is a big, physical team. Chattanooga should feast down low all season long.

Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview

Louisville has made back-to-back trips to the big dance and enters year three under coach Pat Kelsey. After 12 wins under Kenny Payne, Louisville has won 51 games in the last two seasons.

Adrian Wooley returns after averaging 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds. Will Hanke is the only other returning player, and he played just 10 minutes last season. The good news is Flory Bidunga comes over from Kansas after winning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year last season. Jackson Shelstad transfers after three strong seasons at Oregon, and Seth Trimble brings experience and playmaking from North Carolina. The transfer portal gives Louisville production and experience and instantly gives the Cards legit Final Four potential. It should be a fun season in Louisville as this is possibly the team to beat in the ACC.

Why the Louisville Cardinals will win

• Louisville has won each of its last 16 night games at KFC Yum! Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Chattanooga has lost the first half in four of its last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Chattanooga’s last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 165+ points.
• Six of Louisville’s last seven night games at KFC Yum! Center have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Louisville ranked 5th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game last season (11.6).
• Louisville ranked T5th for points off turnovers per game (16.5) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
• Chattanooga ranked 22nd among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game last season (10.6).
• Chattanooga ranked 27th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game last season (9.6).

Randy Chambers's Pick: Chattanooga +31.5