Louisville closed out its non-conference schedule in emphatic fashion on Saturday, unleashing a 17-0 run to end the first half and never looking back in a dominant 94-54 win over Montana. With over 14,000 fans packing the KFC Yum! Center, the Cardinals looked every bit the part of a team ready to make noise as ACC play looms.
The turning point came late in the first half, when Louisville flipped a competitive game into a runaway. That 17-point burst wasn’t just a scoring spree-it was a statement.
The Cardinals tightened the screws defensively, turned stops into transition opportunities, and executed with precision on the offensive end. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, Montana was reeling, and Louisville had seized full control.
Sananda Fru led the charge with 18 points and eight rebounds, setting the tone with his energy on both ends. Fru’s versatility was on full display-crashing the glass, finishing at the rim, and showing poise in the midrange.
But this was far from a one-man show. In total, five Cardinals finished in double figures, a testament to the balance and depth that head coach Pat Kelsey has been cultivating.
Isaac McKneely also made his presence felt, continuing to show why he’s such a key piece for this squad. Whether it was knocking down shots or making the extra pass, McKneely played within himself and helped keep the offense humming.
After the game, Fru and McKneely met with the media before Coach Kelsey took the podium. The vibe?
Confident, focused, and hungry for more. This team knows it’s still early, but the pieces are starting to fit together.
With the win, Louisville improves to 10-2 on the season, wrapping up its non-conference slate on a high note. Now comes a well-earned holiday break before the grind of conference play begins.
The Cardinals will head west to open ACC action, facing California on Dec. 30 and Stanford on Jan. 2.
If Saturday’s performance is any indication, this Louisville team is finding its rhythm at just the right time.