Basketball fans, brace yourselves for a thrilling night of college hoops as two high-stakes matchups take center stage on January 26, 2026. First up, we have the Louisville Cardinals visiting the storied Duke Blue Devils. Both teams are riding high in the rankings, with Louisville at #13 and Duke perched at #3. With the game unfolding at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Louisville vs. Duke: Battle in Durham
The tension is palpable as Duke, led by the formidable Cameron Boozer, looks to defend their home court. Boozer's projected 22.2 points and 10.7 rebounds highlight his dual threat on both ends of the court. His presence will be critical in a matchup where every possession counts.
On the flip side, Louisville’s dynamic duo of Ryan Conwell and Mikel Brown Jr. aims to upset the Blue Devil's plans. Conwell is expected to notch 16.8 points, while Brown Jr. contributes with 15.6 points and 4.4 assists. These two will need to be at their sharpest to navigate Duke's defensive schemes.
Our simulations give Duke a slight edge, predicting an 80.6 to 77.7 victory with a 54% win probability. However, with a Vegas spread of -7.5, expect this game to be closer than some might think. For a detailed game prediction, check out the full simulation analysis.
Arizona vs. BYU: Desert Duel in Provo
Over in Provo, another heavyweight clash unfolds as the #2 ranked Arizona Wildcats take on the #15 BYU Cougars. This matchup pits two offensive powerhouses against one another, with both teams known for their high-scoring prowess.
Arizona's Koa Peat, with his 14.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, will be a key figure. Meanwhile, Jaden Bradley’s playmaking (3.6 assists) could tip the scales in favor of the Wildcats. For BYU, AJ Dybantsa is expected to light up the scoreboard with 18.6 points, backed by the versatile Richie Saunders.
This game is a toss-up, with Arizona slightly favored at 82.6 to 80.5. Both our simulations and a tight Vegas spread of 1.5 suggest a nail-biter. Dive deeper into the numbers and predictions here.
As the action unfolds, keep an eye on these key player matchups and strategic battles. And remember, detailed projected player stats for all games are available exclusively to GameSim+ subscribers. Learn more and subscribe for in-depth analysis and insights.
