LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — A pivotal early-season ACC clash awaits Tuesday night at the KFC Yum! Center as the Louisville Cardinals host the Virginia Cavaliers.

Both teams enter with strong records and momentum. Virginia (14-2, 3-0 ACC) has won six of its last seven, including a 70-55 victory over Stanford last Saturday. Louisville (12-4, 2-1) rebounded from a loss to Duke with a 75-62 win over Boston College on the same day.

The matchup features two of the conference’s standout performers. Virginia is led by guard Thijs De Ridder, who is averaging 20.2 points over his last five games. He scored 22 points in 31 minutes against Stanford. Louisville counters with forward Sananda Fru, who posted 19 points and two blocks against Boston College. Fru’s production has been variable, however, with a two-point outing against Duke preceding his latest performance.

Virginia’s signature pack-line defense will be tested by a potent Louisville offense that has scored 90 or more points three times this season. The Cavaliers have held 10 opponents under 65 points. Virginia’s only losses came in triple-overtime at rival Virginia Tech and against Butler in November.

Louisville has shown a capacity for high-scoring wins but has struggled against top-tier competition, with losses to Duke, Stanford, Tennessee and Arkansas. Protecting home court against a ranked Virginia team would mark a significant resume boost.

The Cavaliers have won three straight in the series, including a 77-53 victory in Charlottesville last February. Tuesday’s contest begins a tough stretch for both; Virginia visits SMU next, while Louisville travels to Pittsburgh.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.