The KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is set to host one of the most anticipated matchups of this college basketball season as the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils square off against the No. 16 Louisville Cardinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and fans can catch every moment live on ESPN or stream the action through platforms like Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Hulu + Live TV, and ESPN+. For Louisville, this contest marks their first home game in ACC play, and the stakes couldn't be higher as two Top 25 teams collide in a classic conference rivalry.
Duke comes into the game with an impressive 13-1 overall record and a flawless 2-0 mark in the ACC. The Blue Devils' only stumble this season came at the hands of No. 14 Texas Tech back on December 20, 2025. Since then, they've bounced back in style, notching back-to-back victories over Georgia Tech and Florida State. Their most recent win, a 91-87 nail-biter against Florida State, showcased the firepower of Isaiah Evans, who poured in 28 points, while Cameron Boozer added a solid 17-point contribution.
On the other side, the Louisville Cardinals enter the contest at 11-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Cardinals are eager to rebound from an 80-76 upset loss to Stanford on January 2, a game where Ryan Conwell led the way with 18 points. Despite the setback, Louisville has been a force at home this season, boasting a perfect 8-0 record in their own arena. Tonight's matchup offers them a golden opportunity to reassert themselves in the ACC hierarchy and defend their home court against one of the nation's elite programs.
Both teams bring plenty of offensive firepower to the table. Duke is currently ranked fourth in the ACC for scoring, averaging a robust 87.3 points per game while connecting on 49.8% of their shots. Coach Jon Scheyer's squad has displayed remarkable efficiency, outshooting their opponents by a wide margin—Blue Devil opponents have managed just 38.5% from the field, a testament to Duke's defensive discipline.
Cameron Boozer has been a revelation for Duke, averaging 23 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. His versatility and leadership have been crucial to the Blue Devils' early-season success. Isaiah Evans, who has averaged 13.5 points over the last 10 games, has also emerged as a key scoring threat, especially after his breakout performance against Florida State. The Blue Devils' balanced attack and ability to share the ball—averaging 17.2 assists per game over their last 10 contests—make them a tough out for any opponent.
Louisville, meanwhile, has carved out its own offensive identity, particularly from beyond the arc. The Cardinals average 12.2 made three-pointers per game, shooting a solid 35.3% from deep. Ryan Conwell, the team's leading scorer at 19.6 points per game, is a major part of that perimeter success, knocking down 3.7 triples per contest at a blistering 37.4% clip. Isaac McKneely has chipped in with 2.7 made threes per game over his last 10 outings, providing Louisville with another dangerous weapon from long range.
Statistically, the Cardinals are shooting 47.1% from the floor this season, a figure that stands 8.6 percentage points above what Duke typically allows its opponents. Conversely, Duke's 49.8% shooting is 11.0 percentage points higher than what Louisville's defense has permitted (38.8%). These numbers set the stage for a fascinating clash of strengths—can Louisville's hot shooting overcome Duke's stifling defense, or will the Blue Devils' offensive efficiency prove too much for the Cardinals to handle?
Recent form suggests both teams are primed for a battle. Over their last 10 games, the Cardinals have gone 7-3, averaging 85.3 points, 38.7 rebounds, 16.9 assists, 6.2 steals, and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.9%. Their opponents have managed just 68.4 points per game, highlighting Louisville's ability to clamp down when needed. Duke, meanwhile, has posted a 9-1 record in their last 10, putting up 83.8 points, 37.0 rebounds, 17.2 assists, 7.7 steals, and 4.0 blocks per game on 49.5% shooting. The Blue Devils' opponents have averaged only 68.2 points, nearly identical to Louisville's defensive output.
For Louisville fans, tonight's game is more than just another conference tilt—it's a chance to see their team defend its perfect home record and make a statement on the national stage. The Cardinals' crowd is sure to bring the energy, hoping to rattle a Duke squad that has thrived in hostile environments so far this season. With both teams boasting dynamic playmakers and deep benches, the matchup promises plenty of fireworks from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
Beyond the statistics and star power, there's the intangible element of rivalry. Duke and Louisville have a long history of memorable encounters, and while this is their first meeting in conference play this season, the implications for ACC standings and NCAA tournament seeding are significant. Every possession will matter, and both coaches will be looking for their leaders to step up in the biggest moments.
Viewers tuning in tonight will also have a variety of streaming options, with free trials and special offers available for new customers on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and other platforms. The accessibility of the broadcast ensures that fans won't miss a second of the action, whether they're watching from the stands, at home, or on the go.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, all eyes are on the KFC Yum! Center. Will Duke's relentless offense and disciplined defense carry them to another key road win, or can Louisville's sharpshooting and home-court advantage tilt the scales in their favor? With so much on the line and both teams at the top of their game, this ACC clash is shaping up to be one for the ages.
Whatever happens tonight, basketball fans are in for a treat as two of the conference's best go head-to-head in a matchup brimming with talent, tradition, and high-stakes drama. The action is about to begin, and the outcome remains anyone's guess as these basketball heavyweights battle for ACC supremacy.
