Big Monday Opener on ESPN

It might be possible Louisville is hitting its stride, after a topsy-turvy December. The Cardinals swept a pair of Big East road games at South Florida and Villanova, covering the spread in each instance. In both cases, Rick Pitino’s club showed courage, taking opponents best shot late and found a way to hang in their. After playing in a real defensive grinder against ‘Nova, the high octane Fighting Irish, with reigning conference play of the year Luke Harangody, is paying a visit.

In Saturday’s 61-60 win over then-No. 18 Villanova, Terrence Williams scored on a drive with 7.4 seconds remaining to put Louisville ahead for good, just barely. The Wildcats then missed two free throws with 4.9 seconds left and two shots under the basket in the final seconds. While it might have been a heart-stopper for fans, coach Pitino said, “A typical Big East game”.
Louisville (11-3, 7-7 ATS) will have to rely on its in your face defense that allows just 38 percent of shots made. Forward Earl Clark and Williams are finding their shooting eye, though guard Edgar Sosa is still extremely inconsistent. The Cardinals continue to be a covering machine in Big East battles, with 15-5 ATS record and are 11-2 ATS off a road win against a conference member.

Notre Dame (12-3, 5-5 ATS) may have the nation’s longest home winning streak, however, if they really want to make a name for themselves, a triumph over Loo-ville takes them from a good Big East team to serious contender. In order for the Irish to pull the upset, they will have to tighten up the defense. For the season, Mike Brey’s squad is run of the mill 42.3 percent, however in four conference conflicts; teams are making 47.3 percent against Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish score 82.2 points per game and thrive on draining the three- ball with regularity. They average nine per game, making 41.3 percent, which is fourth in the country. Notre Dame never threatened to cover the spread Saturday against Seton Hall, winning 88-79 as 15-point home chalk. The Irish are 20-9 ATS after a game where they failed to cover the spread over the last three seasons.

The Cards are 8-1 and 5-4 ATS at Freedom Hall this season and Bookmaker.com has them as 6.5-point favorites. Off Saturday’s close call, Louisville might not be in ideal position, being 6-19 ATS in home games after a win by six points or less. Notre Dame is 4-3 and 3-4 ATS as the visitor, yet has thrived as road underdog or pick role under coach Brey with 36-15 ATS record.

These teams have met just twice since Louisville joined the Big East, with the Cardinals winning both and the Irish covering the number each time. ESPN starts Big Monday officially with this Big East bash at 7 Eastern.