Louisville vs. Arkansas Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Dec. 3

The No. 6 Louisville Cardinals (7-0) face the No. 25 Arkansas Razorbacks (5-2) in their first road test of the year. Here’s my Louisville vs. Arkansas prediction for tonight’s battle.

Louisville is a 3.5-point betting favorite. Tipoff from Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark., is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN).

✅ Louisville vs. Arkansas predictions

🏀 Louisville vs. Arkansas best bet & score prediction

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Arkansas +3.5 (-115) ⭐⭐⭐

Winning on the road in college basketball is difficult. Winning by more than a possession against a ranked team in your first road test is even more difficult.

That’s why I like taking the points with the Razorbacks in a game that could come down to the wire.

Razorbacks are prepared

Arkansas is ready for this matchup. The Razorbacks have faced two high-major programs thus far, losing to Michigan State by three points on the road on Nov. 8 and suffering a nine-point defeat to Duke on a neutral floor last time out.

Louisville, meanwhile, has only played one team ranked higher than 70th on KenPom. That was a 96-88 home win over Kentucky on Nov. 11. The Cardinals have played six of their seven games at home.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Louisville struggles a bit more, particularly given that its best player is a freshman guard. Mikel Brown Jr. is averaging 17 points and six assists per game, but Arkansas has the athleticism to keep him in check (at least as a scorer) in this environment.

EvanMiya’s projection of 82.2-81.4 in favor of Louisville feels right for tonight’s showdown.

Score prediction: Louisville 82, Arkansas 81

🆚 Louisville vs. Arkansas matchup to watch

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Mikel Brown Jr. vs. Darius Acuff Jr.

Both teams have a five-star freshman at point guard. While Brown has received more attention, Acuff has delivered in his debut season. He’s averaging 17.4 points and 4.4 assists per game.

Acuff’s primary focus on Wednesday should be on doing whatever it takes to slow down Brown. I could see the Razorbacks throwing more doubles at Brown to get the ball out of his hands to help Acuff.

As a result, I like Brown’s assist prop. He’s cleared 5.5 assists in five of his seven games. Arkansas ranks 292nd in assist rate allowed, suggesting this +105 value at BetMGM is a bit of a bargain.

Best prop bet: Mikel Brown Jr. Over 5.5 assists (+105 via BetMGM)

For plays worth tailing in the second half of tonight’s ESPN doubleheader, check out Mike Spector’s NC State vs. Auburn prediction.

📊 Louisville vs. Arkansas odds

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📺 How to watch Louisville vs. Arkansas

• Date: Wednesday, Dec. 3
• Tipoff: 7:15 p.m. ET
• Location: Bud Walton Arena (Fayetteville, Ark.)
• TV: ESPN