Louisville Outlasts Wake Forest in Emotional Return for Pat Kelsey
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - For Pat Kelsey, Saturday’s matchup at Wake Forest wasn’t just another game on the ACC calendar. It was a return to familiar ground - but this time, from the other bench. The 50-year-old Louisville head coach, who once roamed the sidelines at Joel Coliseum as a young assistant under the late Skip Prosser, brought his 23rd-ranked Cardinals into town and left with a hard-fought 88-80 win over the Demon Deacons.
It was a game that had everything: emotional subplots, momentum swings, and standout performances on both sides. And for Kelsey, it was a full-circle moment - coaching against a program that helped shape his career.
A Wild Second Half
This one didn’t lack drama. Wake Forest, trailing by nine at halftime, came storming back in the second half, outscoring Louisville 44-35 at one point and knotting things up at 78 with just over five minutes to play. But when it mattered most, the Cards found another gear.
Louisville closed strong, riding a late surge to push past the Deacons and secure their 16th win of the season - and sixth in conference play. It’s the kind of road win that doesn’t just help in the standings, but also builds character heading into the stretch run of ACC play.
Khani Rooths Making His Presence Felt
One of the breakout stories of the afternoon was sophomore forward Khani Rooths, who came off the bench and immediately made an impact. In just 13 minutes, Rooths poured in 13 points - his third straight game in double figures since returning from a four-game absence due to illness. His energy and efficiency gave Louisville a much-needed spark, especially during some of Wake’s second-half runs.
Rooths is starting to look like a key piece in Louisville’s rotation moving forward. If he continues to produce like this off the bench, the Cardinals’ depth becomes that much more dangerous.
The Pryor Effect
Wednesday’s win over Notre Dame was dubbed the “Kasean Pryor Game” - and while he didn’t headline this one, his presence was again felt. The sixth-year forward’s leadership and poise were crucial during crunch time, especially when Wake Forest threatened to flip the script.
Pryor’s return to form after limited action earlier this season has been a quiet storyline, but one that could loom large as Louisville eyes a postseason push.
Fru’s Fast Start
Sananda Fru wasted no time getting involved. The junior forward/center was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field early and finished the first half with eight points, including a thunderous transition dunk that set the tone for Louisville’s early dominance.
Fru’s ability to run the floor and finish through contact continues to be a weapon for this team - especially when Louisville gets out in transition.
Hadley Battles Through Injury
J’Vonne Hadley, who came into the game as a game-time decision due to a back injury suffered in practice, suited up and started. And while he didn’t light up the box score, his early five-point burst in the opening minute helped the Cardinals set the tone.
Hadley’s toughness has never been in question, and his willingness to play through pain speaks volumes about his leadership in this veteran-laden group.
Early Control, Late Execution
Louisville came out swinging, jumping to a 10-point lead midway through the first half and finishing the opening 20 minutes up 43-34. They shot the ball well early, including a stretch where they hit six straight shots before the final media timeout of the half.
Wake Forest, to their credit, didn’t fold. After a rough start from the field, the Deacons clawed back into it behind a 10-4 run and some efficient shooting midway through the first half. But Louisville’s poise down the stretch - especially in a hostile environment - ultimately made the difference.
A Special Return for Kelsey
For Kelsey, this win had to feel different. His coaching roots run deep at Wake Forest, where he served as director of operations and later as an assistant from 2001 to 2009. He followed his mentor, Prosser, from Xavier to Winston-Salem, and still holds deep ties to the program and community.
“It’s a little surreal, preparing for a game against Wake Forest,” Kelsey said before last season’s meeting between the two programs. “I have so much history there; I have a ton of relationships there. It was a special time in my life.”
Saturday’s game may have been business on the court, but it was personal in the heart. And Kelsey’s squad delivered.
What’s Next
With the win, Louisville improves to 16-6 overall and 6-4 in ACC play, solidifying their place in the upper half of the conference standings. Wake Forest, meanwhile, falls to 11-12 and 2-8 in the ACC, continuing a tough stretch that’s seen them drop eight of their last ten.
For Louisville, this was a fringe Quad 1 opportunity - and they capitalized. As the postseason picture begins to take shape, every win like this matters.
And for Kelsey, it’s not just another line on the résumé. It’s a win that came with a little extra meaning.
Starting Lineups
Louisville:
- Mikel Brown Jr.
- Isaac McKneely
- Ryan Conwell
- J’Vonne Hadley
- Sananda Fru
Wake Forest:
- Myles Colvin
- Sebastian Akins
- Juke Harris
- Cooper Schwieger
- Tre’Von Spillers
Broadcast Details
The game aired on the ACC Network with Wes Durham and Dennis Scott on the call. Fans could also catch the action on the Cardinal Sports Network, with Paul Rogers and William McDermott providing radio coverage.
Betting Recap
Louisville entered as a 7.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 158.5. KenPom and BartTorvik both projected a close but favorable outcome for the Cardinals - and they weren’t far off.
Louisville heads home with a key road win, some momentum, and a coach who probably took one last look at the Joel Coliseum on his way out - grateful for the past, but focused on the future.