Duke vs. Louisville: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

Louisville received some tough news regarding their basketball program on Tuesday. Will the team now be able to turn around and beat one of the best teams in the nation?

TV schedule: Wednesday, February 21, 9:00 p.m. ET. ESPN

Arena: Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina

The NCAA has issued their ruling in regards to the “other” scandal concerning the University of Louisville 18-9 (8-6). It was the one involving the strippers in the dorm room, that caused the school to self-impose a postseason ban a couple of years ago.

The Cardinals will have to forfeit all their wins from 2011-2015, as well as the school’s 2013 National Championship title. It’s the first time that a school had to give up the title in the Final Four era. The punishment itself is up for debate, with those wondering what’s the point, while others don’t think it’s tough enough to deter misconduct.

But the focus now needs to be on the basketball court, where Louisville is in big trouble when it comes to the NCAA tournament. The Cardinal’s resume lacks the quality wins to warrant a win, which is why in the latest Bracketology for Busting Brackets, they’re sitting in the “First Four Out”.

But they have a great chance to change that on Wednesday with a road game at Duke 22-5 (10-4). The Blue Devils have won their last three games, all without star Marvin Bagley III, whose been dealing with some lower body issues. This team has been playing well without him, with Grayson Allen and Wendell Carter Jr. picking up the slack. It’s created an interesting situation on all sides, considering that Bagley is a likely top-3 NBA draft pick.

Next: Latest ACC power rankings

This is the only regular season battle between these teams, and Louisville desperately needs this win. If Bagley doesn’t play, the Cardinals do have the frontcourt players in Ray Spalding and Anas Mahmoud to take advantage. Question is, will Quentin Snider have a good enough game to help offset Duke’s perimeter stars of Allen and Trevon Duval, whose been playing off the ball as of late.

Prediction: Duke 82 – Louisville 76