NCAAB · Final

Clemson Tigers Edge Louisville Cardinals in Close Contest

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Littlejohn Coliseum

Clemson Tigers 80, Louisville Cardinals 75, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won Louisville Cardinals vs Clemson Tigers?

Clemson Tigers beat Louisville Cardinals 80-75 at Littlejohn Coliseum on February 28, 2026.

Who was favored in Louisville Cardinals vs Clemson Tigers?

Louisville Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.

In an exciting matchup at Littlejohn Coliseum, the Clemson Tigers secured a narrow victory over the Louisville Cardinals, finishing the game with a score of 80 to 75. This win marked a significant turnaround for Clemson, who had been struggling with a four-game losing streak prior to this contest. The Tigers' recent form had seen them win only one of their last five games, averaging 67.8 points while allowing 70.6 points per game. In contrast, Louisville had been performing well, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, and averaging 83.5 points while allowing 76.3 points.

Clemson entered this game with a home record of 21-8, while Louisville held an away record of 20-9. The odds from DraftKings had Louisville favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The market reflected confidence in Louisville's ability to win, but the outcome of the game demonstrated that Clemson was determined to reverse their fortunes.

The first half of the game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads. Clemson's scoring was led by key players who stepped up when it mattered most. As the game progressed into the second half, the Tigers managed to pull ahead and maintain their lead, despite a late push from the Cardinals. The scoring plays in the final moments included crucial free throws by Ace Buckner and a significant three-point jumper by Adrian Wooley, which helped solidify Clemson's lead.

Historically, this matchup has favored Louisville, as they had won both previous meetings in the 2025 season, with scores of 76-73 and 74-64. However, Clemson's performance in this game suggests a shift in momentum, as they not only managed to break their losing streak but also demonstrated resilience against a team that had previously bested them.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams appeared to be at full strength for this critical matchup. The conditions at Littlejohn Coliseum were conducive to a competitive game, with the home crowd providing support for the Tigers.

Viewers watching this game were treated to a display of skill and determination, particularly from Clemson, who needed this win to regain confidence as they head into the latter part of the season. The game showcased the Tigers' ability to perform under pressure, a vital trait as they look to build on this victory moving forward.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	LOU -2.5	146.5 o -115 / u -105	Louisville Cardinals -142 · Clemson Tigers +120

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsJestin Porter16Clemson Tigers
AssistsJestin Porter3Clemson Tigers
ReboundsAce Buckner8Clemson Tigers
PointsAdrian Wooley17Louisville Cardinals
AssistsMikel Brown Jr.4Louisville Cardinals
ReboundsJ'Vonne Hadley7Louisville Cardinals

Recent form

Clemson Tigers

Last 10: 5-5Streak L469 scored · 67.1 allowed per game2-3 at home

L65-70vs Florida State SeminolesFeb 21
L77-85at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsFeb 19
L54-67at Duke Blue DevilsFeb 14
L66-76vs Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 12
W77-55at California Golden BearsFeb 8
W66-64at Stanford CardinalFeb 5
W63-52vs Pittsburgh PanthersJan 31
W77-63at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 24
L76-80vs NC State WolfpackJan 21
W69-59vs Miami HurricanesJan 17

Louisville Cardinals

Last 10: 7-3Streak L183.5 scored · 76.3 allowed per game2-3 away

L74-77at North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 24
W87-70vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 21
L85-95at SMU MustangsFeb 18
W82-71at Baylor BearsFeb 14
W118-77vs NC State WolfpackFeb 10
W88-80at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsFeb 7
W76-65vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 5
W88-74vs SMU MustangsJan 31
L52-83at Duke Blue DevilsJan 27
W85-71vs Virginia Tech HokiesJan 24

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Duke	35-3	-	17-1
Virginia	30-6	2	15-3
Miami	26-9	4	13-5
North Carolina	24-9	5	12-6
Clemson	24-11	5	12-6
Louisville	24-11	6	11-7
NC State	20-14	7	10-8
Florida State	18-15	7	10-8
California	22-12	8	9-9
Stanford	20-13	8	9-9
Virginia Tech	19-13	9	8-10
SMU	20-14	9	8-10
Wake Forest	18-17	10	7-11
Syracuse	15-17	11	6-12
Pittsburgh	13-20	12	5-13
Notre Dame	13-18	13	4-14
Boston College	11-20	13	4-14
Georgia Tech	11-20	15	2-16

Box score

Stat	Louisville Cardinals	Clemson Tigers
Field goals	29-64	24-49
Field goal %	45	49
Three-pointers	10-36	8-21
Three-point %	28	38
Free throws	7-12	24-34
Free throw %	58	71
Rebounds	36	31
Offensive rebounds	10	5
Defensive rebounds	26	26
Assists	12	12
Steals	5	9
Blocks	3	3
Turnovers	11	9
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	9	16
Fast-break points	2	7
Points in the paint	36	28
Fouls	23	15
Largest lead	4	15
Lead changes	4	4
Time in front	4	89

How the scoring went

2nd Half39-44Aly Khalifa makes layup
2nd Half39-46Butta Johnson makes 2-foot jumper
2nd Half39-47Carter Welling makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half39-48Carter Welling makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half42-48Isaac McKneely makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ryan Conwell assists)
2nd Half42-50Jestin Porter makes 19-foot jumper
2nd Half44-50Vangelis Zougris makes 2-foot hook shot
2nd Half44-53Jestin Porter makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half45-53J'Vonne Hadley makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half46-53J'Vonne Hadley makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half48-53Ryan Conwell makes layup (Mikel Brown Jr. assists)
2nd Half48-55Jake Wahlin makes 10-foot jumper
2nd Half49-55Khani Rooths makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half49-57Jestin Porter makes layup
2nd Half49-60Jestin Porter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nick Davidson assists)
2nd Half51-60Ryan Conwell makes 8-foot jumper
2nd Half51-62Nick Davidson makes 3-foot jumper
2nd Half51-65Jestin Porter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nick Davidson assists)
2nd Half53-65J'Vonne Hadley makes layup (Sananda Fru assists)
2nd Half53-68Ace Buckner makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Godfrey assists)
2nd Half55-68Sananda Fru makes 2-foot dunk (Ryan Conwell assists)
2nd Half57-68Vangelis Zougris makes layup
2nd Half57-69Dillon Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half57-70Dillon Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half57-71RJ Godfrey makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half57-72RJ Godfrey makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half59-72Sananda Fru makes layup
2nd Half59-74RJ Godfrey makes layup (Jestin Porter assists)
2nd Half62-74Adrian Wooley makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half64-74Sananda Fru makes 2-foot dunk (Adrian Wooley assists)
2nd Half64-75Dillon Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half67-75Adrian Wooley makes 23-foot three point jumper
2nd Half67-76Dillon Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half69-76Adrian Wooley makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half69-77Ace Buckner makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-77Adrian Wooley makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half72-78Ace Buckner makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-79Ace Buckner makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half75-79Isaac McKneely makes 24-foot three point jumper (J'Vonne Hadley assists)
2nd Half75-80Ace Buckner makes free throw 2 of 2