UK and UofL March Madness predictions

Jackson Graeter, Lou Webber, and Cullen Spalding • March 6, 2025

Both of the premier teams in the bluegrass feature new coaches and nearly completely fresh rosters. Both currently ranked in the AP poll both fanbases have tons of justified excitement leading up to March. Lou, Cullen, and I made our predictions for how the Cats and Cards will finish up the 2024-25 season.

Kentucky

Jackson

Jackson: 5 seed: Sweet 16 exit

The cats have had a rollercoaster of a season so far and it has been filled with ups and downs. Unlike Louisville the Cats have played against some of the nations best teams all throughout conference play and are therefore battle tested. The Cats have suffered some inexplicable losses but the wins cannot be denied. If the Cats can get healthy Pope will lead them to a second weekend trip with the potential to make it to the Elite Eight. I think Lamont Butler is the driving force for the Wildcats and if he can get healthy this raises both the floor and the ceiling for Pope's squad.
Lou

Lou: 4 seed: Sweet 16 exit

Kentucky has rarely had their full roster all year and still has won big time games. They beat Duke, Tennessee 2x, Texas A&M, Florida, and Mississippi State. Kentucky also has a new coach, Mark Pope, who was the captain on the 1996 national championship team for Kentucky. Koby Brea shoots 45% beyond the arc, and is one of the best shooters in the nation. Otega Oweh leads Kentucky in scoring at 16.2 points per game. Kentucky however has lost a couple of bad games. They lost to Ohio State by 20, Georgia by 13, Arkansas by 10, and Ole Miss by 14. I believe Kentucky plays to their competition, so it can hurt them when they play a lower seed. Kentucky will end up losing to a team they are capable of beating and ruin the dreams of their championship run.
Cullen

Cullen: 4 seed: Sweet 16 exit

I’m sure some are saying that a four seed is too high, but I don’t see how Kentucky wins the SEC tournament. I think they will make a little run due to their players previous experience in the big dance. They are also coached by Mark Pope who led BYU to the tournament last year. A guy UK needs back (currently hurt) is Lamont Butler. Butler made an appearance in the national championship with San Diego State two years ago. This experience should benefit the Cats in many ways through the end of the season.

Louisville

Lou

Lou: 7 Seed: Round of 32 Exit

Louisville is a team who just last year was at the bottom of nearly every statistic in the entire D1. This year is quite different. Pat Kelsey has completely changed the mindset of the Louisville team. Louisville is 3rd in ACC play with a 20 win season. Louisville is led by their star guard, Chucky Hepburn, who averages 15 points and 6 assists a game. This Louisville team lives or dies on the three, lead by Reyne Smith, who shoots 40% from beyond the arc. The Cards fan base is just happy to see a team succeed. They’ve lost to Tennessee by 22, Oklahoma by 5, Ole Miss by 23, Duke by 11, Kentucky by 8, and Georgia Tech 7. They are projected a 7th seed, and I don't see them beating a 2 seed.
Cullen

Cullen: 6 seed: Round of 32 exit

Louisville has only lost one game since their eight point loss to the Cats on December 14 of last year. They are arguably one of the hottest teams in college basketball right now. However they have been favored in most of these games. The Cards have some of the best guards in the ACC with Chucky Hepburn, Terrence Edwards Jr., and Reyne Smith. These guys will have to step up big and shoot the three ball phenomenally well to even have a chance.
Jackson

Jackson: 7 seed: Round of 32 exit

Louisville hasn’t played a high level opponent in several weeks and this will show by the time March rolls around. Like Gonzaga every year they play nobody in their conference Louisville is in a similar position this season. They are a good squad and will find a way to beat their first round opponent but will not have the firepower to upset their second round matchup. They simply lack size and scoring so a high seeded team will out athlete and outscore them. Kelsey’s job so far has been inspiring and has definitely provided a resurgence for the Cards.

About the Contributors

Jackson Graeter, Staff Writer

Jackson Graeter is a senior who is stoked to report for Xavier News during the 2024-25 school year. He is an avid sports fan who’s been to 6 different professional sports league games live, which are hockey, baseball, basketball, football, golf, and tennis. After losing to the dynasty which is St. Mary’s intermediate basketball last season he is prepared to hoist the intermediate basketball trophy this February.

Lou Webber, Staff Writer

Lou Webber, a dual sport athlete, worships the brotherhood at Saint X. He loves what the Louisville Cardinals have done during this long and dreadful offseason. Lou, a senior defender for the soccer team, is flawless out of the air scoring every header possible. His love for Saint X shines through his extracurricular activities like student council.

Cullen Spalding, Staff Writer

Cullen Spalding, a current senior, is a member of the lacrosse team and an avid horse racing enthusiast. In his free time you can find him cheering on Louisville at football and basketball games. In the fall you can find him in the front row of the Rage Cage doing the Tiger Rumble and singing the Fight Song. He’s still bitter about how his intermediate season ended with an unfortunate loss in The Pac.