Wed Jan 29 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Louisville Cardinals Aim for Tenth Straight Win Against Determined Wake Forest Demon Deacons

**LOUISVILLE, KY** – The Louisville Cardinals (14-0 at home) will look to extend their winning streak to ten games on Tuesday night when they host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the KFC Yum Center. Tip-off is set for [Time] with Wes Durham, Cory Alexander, and Jim Boeheim on the call.

Despite their seemingly low rankings (No. 71 NET, No. 73 KenPom), Wake Forest poses a significant threat. Their five losses have all come against projected NCAA tournament teams, including three top-15 opponents. Their impressive non-conference wins over Michigan and Minnesota are overshadowed by a series of weak “buy games” that have artificially depressed their metrics.

Wake Forest, currently just one game behind Louisville in the ACC standings, has transformed its identity this season. They boast the ACC’s best turnover margin (+3.44) and are 21st nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, holding opponents to just 39.5% shooting in conference play. Their deliberate, half-court style contrasts sharply with last year’s up-tempo approach.

Leading the Demon Deacons’ offense is Hunter Sallis (18.9 ppg), a top ACC scorer, and Cam Hildreth, a creative scorer capable of explosive performances. Tre’Von Spillers provides a double-double threat and leads the ACC in blocked shots, while 7’0″ Efton Reid anchors the defense.

However, Wake Forest’s struggles with three-point shooting (353rd nationally) and rebounding could prove pivotal. Louisville, sporting its “Dirt Bowl” throwback jerseys, will look to exploit these weaknesses. The Cardinals’ own strengths – a strong interior game, and the nation-leading three-point shooting of Reyne Smith (3.90 made 3-pointers per game) – will be key to victory.

The Cardinals enter the game riding an eight-game ACC win streak and are ranked in both major top-25 polls for the first time since January 2021. The matchup marks a clash of styles, with Louisville’s offensive firepower against Wake Forest’s stifling defense. Ken Pomeroy predicts a 74-64 victory for Louisville, but given Wake Forest’s recent success against the Cardinals (a three-game winning streak in the series), a close contest is anticipated. The game will be broadcast on [Network].

Read More