Louisville Riding Momentum into Pivotal ACC Stretch as National Rankings Climb
Louisville is heating up at just the right time. Winners of five straight, the Cardinals (19-6 overall, 8-4 ACC) are playing some of their best basketball of the season-and it’s showing up not just in the win column, but across the national stat sheets.
Now ranked No. 21 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Top 25 polls, Louisville is surging with a balanced attack that’s clicking on both ends of the floor. And while rankings are nice, the real story is how the Cardinals are doing it: with a top-tier offense, improved defensive metrics, and a roster that’s starting to find its rhythm as March approaches.
A Nationally Ranked Offense That’s Producing at an Elite Level
Let’s start with the offense, because it’s been nothing short of explosive. Louisville currently holds the No. 11 spot in the KenPom offensive efficiency ratings with a 125.1 rating-a number that puts them in elite company. They’re averaging 86.9 points per game, which ranks 16th nationally, and they’re doing it with efficiency: a 47.3% field goal percentage and an effective field goal mark of 56.7% (No. 24 in the country).
Three-point shooting has been a major weapon. The Cardinals are knocking down 11.6 threes per game, which ranks fifth nationally. That kind of perimeter firepower stretches defenses and opens up the floor for their playmakers to operate.
Ryan Conwell has been at the center of that perimeter barrage. He’s launched 228 threes this season-seventh-most in the country-and is converting 3.42 per game (No. 14 nationally).
His 82 made threes rank 24th, and he's also contributing 18.7 points per game, good for No. 65 in the nation. Simply put, Conwell’s been a volume shooter with efficiency, and he’s giving Louisville a consistent scoring punch from deep.
Isaac McKneely has been another key piece from beyond the arc. He’s hitting 39.2% of his threes, placing him among the top 60 nationally in accuracy. His 2.88 made threes per game and 69 total threes both rank in the low 50s nationally, providing Louisville with a reliable second option from distance.
Defense Trending in the Right Direction
While the offense grabs the headlines, the defense has quietly made strides. Louisville’s defensive rating sits at 97.8, which ranks No. 27 in the nation. They’re holding opponents to 40.3% shooting from the field (No. 26 nationally), and their +16.0 scoring margin ranks 11th-proof that they’re not just winning games, they’re controlling them.
There’s still room for improvement when it comes to defending the three-point line (opponents are shooting 32.3%, ranked 114th), but the overall defensive effort has been more than serviceable, especially when paired with such a high-octane offense.
Owning the Glass and Taking Care of the Ball
Rebounding has been another strength. The Cardinals are out-rebounding opponents by 6.2 boards per game (No. 30 nationally), and Sananda Fru has been a force on the offensive glass, averaging 3.04 offensive rebounds per game-ranking him 54th in the country.
Ball control has also been solid. Louisville's assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.55, which puts them at No. 40 nationally. That’s a sign of a team that’s making smart decisions with the ball and maximizing possessions-critical in close ACC games.
What’s Next: SMU and Georgia Tech on Deck
Louisville hits the road this week for a Tuesday night matchup at SMU (17-8, 6-6), a team that can be dangerous on its home floor. After that, they return home to host Georgia Tech (11-15, 2-11) on Saturday-a game the Cardinals will be expected to handle, but one that still requires focus given the volatility of conference play.
These next two games offer a chance for Louisville to solidify its standing not only in the ACC, but also in the national conversation. With a current NET ranking of No. 12, and sitting at No. 14 in both the KenPom and Torvik metrics, the Cardinals are well-positioned for a strong postseason seed if they can keep the momentum going.
The Bottom Line
Louisville has found its stride. The offense is humming, the defense is tightening up, and the team is stacking wins at the right time.
With March creeping closer, the Cardinals are shaping up to be a team no one wants to face. If they keep playing like this-efficient, balanced, and aggressive-they won’t just be in the tournament; they’ll be a threat to make a serious run.