CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Louisville Cardinals put on an impressive display as they registered a commanding 70-50 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, marking their first win at John Paul Jones Arena and their first victory at Virginia since 1990. The triumph not only snapped Louisville's recent ACC losing streak but also highlighted their growing confidence as they climbed to 10-5 on the season and 3-1 within the conference.
The game unfolded with back-and-forth scoring, but the Cardinals exhibited resilience and tenacity. Louisville managed to maintain their lead for much of the first half, yet Virginia was relentless. The teams were tied multiple times, and the Cavaliers even took the lead momentarily. With the score knotted at 11-11, the Cardinals surged forward, quickly building an 18-11 lead after the second television timeout. Despite this momentum, Virginia countered, tying the game at 20 with just over four minutes left on the clock.
Louisville's coach, Pat Kelsey, emphasized the importance of physicality during the game, admitting his team needed to step up as the aggressors after acknowledging Virginia's strong presence. "Fellas, I'm being honest with you right now; they're the more physical team," Kelsey reminded his squad during the timeout, which spurred them to take control of the game.
Aboubacar Traore played a pivotal role, scoring 15 points and grabbing eight rebounds, demonstrating his skills after returning from injury. "I took it as a challenge," Traore said, highlighting his commitment to rehabilitation and readiness to contribute. His impact was felt throughout his 16 minutes on the floor, including several pivotal buckets during the second half.
The Cardinals finished the first half strong, leading 32-27, and set their course for the rest of the game. The second half mirrored the initial period, with Louisville gradually extending their lead, spurred by Traore’s back-to-back baskets off assists from Chucky Hepburn. The offense began clicking as Reyne Smith knocked down three pivotal three-point shots, leading to another commanding run.
Louisville’s coach remarked on his team’s preparation for unique situations. "Out of timeouts and special situations, we work on [those plays] all the time," Kelsey explained, noting the successful execution of plays drawn up during practice. The ability to capitalize on these strategic moments demonstrated Louisville's readiness to seize opportunities when they arose.
Defensively, Louisville was equally tenacious, holding the Cavs to just 50 points and finishing the game with 14 offensive rebounds, resulting in 10 second-chance points, which proved invaluable. Although the game showcased fewer possessions overall, the Cardinals maintained pressure on the Virginia offense, restricting them from finding any rhythm.
The final moments of the game saw the Cardinals dominating with their defense and aggressiveness. After pulling away, Louisville ended the game on an 18-5 run, sealing their victory and leaving Virginia scoreless for the final 2:29. Notable contributions came from Hepburn, who not only scored but also dished out seven assists against just one turnover.
Pat Kelsey became the first Louisville coach since Peck Hickman to beat Virginia on his first attempt, reflecting the promising direction of the Cardinals under his leadership. With four consecutive wins now under their belt, the momentum is shifting favorably for the program.
Looking forward, Louisville will face off against the 11-3 Clemson Tigers, and their recent form particularly raises the stakes for this upcoming matchup. "We had to muster up some energy to play a lot harder than we were," Sanchez noted, referencing the successful transition from struggles earlier in the game to their final dominance on the floor.
With confidence on the rise, the Cardinals are poised to keep their winning streak alive and prove their potential as they navigate the challenges of their ACC schedule.