NC State vs Louisville Prediction 2/9/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a NC State vs Louisville prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, February 9th at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview

The NC State Wolfpack are 18-6 (9-2) this season after they defeated Virginia Tech by a score of 82-73 in their last game. NC State led 36-24 at halftime, but they did allow 49 points in the second half in the win. The Wolfpack shot 52% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 71% on free throws in the game. Quadir Copeland led NC State with 21 points and 10 assists, while Paul McNeil Jr added 21 points and one rebound in the win. 

Prior to that game, NC State defeated SMU by a score of 84-83 and Wake Forest by a score of 96-78. The Wolfpack have scored 85.7 points per game with 35.7 rebounds and 16.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 72.5 points against per game this season. Darrion Williams is averaging 14.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while Paul McNeil Jr. is averaging 14.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game for the Wolfpack. NC State is shooting 48.1% from the field, 75.6% on free throws, and 40.2% on three pointers this season. 

Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview

The Louisville Cardinals are 17-6 (7-4) this year after they defeated Wake Forest by a score of 88-80 in their last game. Louisville led 43-34 at halftime, but they allowed 46 points in the second half in the win. The Cardinals shot 53% from the field, 40% on three pointers, and 77% on free throws in the game. Sananda Fru led Louisville with 17 points and six rebounds, while J’Vonne Hadley added 15 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Louisville defeated Notre Dame by a score of 76-65 and SMU by a score of 88-74. The Cardinals have scored 85.7 points per game with 40.3 rebounds and 17.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 70.7 points against per game this season. Ryan Conwell is averaging 18.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while Mikel Brown Jr is averaging 15.4 points and 5.3 assists per game for the Cardinals. Louisville is shooting 46.4% from the field, 76.4% on free throws, and 34.5% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Louisville Cardinals will win

• Louisville has won each of its last 25 games at KFC Yum! Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• NC State has lost five of its last six road games following a home win.

Why the NC State Wolfpack will win

• NC State has won each of its last six road games.
• Louisville has lost each of its last six Monday night games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Each of NC State’s last 18 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 160 or fewer points.
• Each of Louisville’s last 16 night games against the Atlantic Coast Conference have produced a total of 160 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Louisville ranks T14th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+15.1).
• Louisville ranks 18th among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+21.3).
• NC State ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (68.0%).
• NC State ranks 19th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (12.1%).

NC State vs Louisville Prediction 

Louisville comes into this matchup on a three game winning streak and they have scored at least 76 points in four of their last five. The Cardinals are shooting 46% from the field, but they have allowed 74+ points in three of their last four. NC State is 9-2 in ACC play and they are on a long winning streak coming into this game. The Wolfpack are shooting 48% from the field and they have scored 81+ points in five straight games. I don’t really trust either defense in this game, but I do like how NC State is scoring right now. Take the Wolfpack and the points.

David Racey's Pick: NC State +6.5