Louisville delivered one of its most complete halves of basketball this season, flipping the script after halftime to take down SMU, 88-74, in front of the home crowd at the KFC Yum Center on Saturday afternoon.
Down 47-44 at the break, the Cardinals came out of the locker room with a renewed focus - especially on the defensive end. Over the final 20 minutes, they held SMU to just 27 points on 11-of-30 shooting, a dramatic turnaround that fueled a dominant second-half performance.
It wasn’t just the defensive intensity that stood out - Louisville got a major boost from a pair of players who weren’t even in the starting lineup.
Freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr., who was battling illness and came off the bench, led the way with 20 points and four assists. His poise and shot-making gave Louisville a steady hand in key moments, especially as they built momentum in the second half.
Khani Rooths, also returning from illness and playing for the first time in two weeks, made his presence felt immediately with a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. His energy on the glass and ability to finish around the rim gave the Cardinals a much-needed lift off the bench.
Louisville’s offensive balance was another key storyline. Isaac McKneely added 14 points, Ryan Conwell chipped in 12, and J’Vonne Hadley finished with 10. That’s five players in double figures - a sign of a team that’s starting to find rhythm and trust in its offensive flow.
But make no mistake: this win was built on defense. For a team that has struggled at times to string together consistent stops, this second-half showing was a statement. SMU came into the game with offensive firepower, but Louisville’s commitment to closing out, contesting shots, and controlling the boards after halftime completely changed the tone.
There’s still work to do, but this was a clear step forward. As February begins and conference play heats up, performances like this - where effort meets execution - are what can turn a season around. Louisville didn’t just win on Saturday; they showed what they’re capable of when they lock in.