Previewing Louisville, Michigan State's second round NCAAT opponent
Taking a look at Louisville, Michigan State's Round of 32 opponent in the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan State basketball has survived the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, defeating North Dakota State, 92-67, and moving on to the Round of 32. In moving on, the Spartans will now have a date with Louisville on Saturday. The matchup between the Cardinals and Spartans will be for a spot in the Sweet 16, something Louisville has not done since the 2015 season.
The Spartans, of course, made a trip to the second weekend last season. Prior to the Spartans win over the Bison on Thursday, Louisville was able to hold off USF, 83-79, to punch their ticket into the NCAA Tournament's second round. Ahead of the matchup between the Spartans and Cardinals, check out everything you need to know about Louisville: The School Location: Louisville, Kentucky Head Coach: Pat Kelsey (2nd season; 51-19) NCAA Tournament Appearances: 45 (last in 2025) NCAA Tournament Record: 77–44 Louisville has been a historically sound program, and after a couple of coaching hires that did not work out, it appears that Kelsey has brought the Cardinals back towards their normal self.
This is a team with strong pedigree from a strong league. The Stats Record: 24-10 KenPom rank: 20 out of 365 Points per game: 84. 8 (19th in the country) Points given up per game: 72.
2 (131st in the country) Offensive Rating (KenPom): 123. 7 (No. 21 in the country) Defensive Rating (KenPom): 98.