English’s defense has played a crucial role in Louisville’s success this season, ranking among the best in the country. The team currently boasts a top 25 defense, allowing an average of just 317.0 yards per game. They have held six opponents to under 300 yards of total offense and have limited opponents to just 5.2 yards per play. The Cardinals’ scoring defense has been particularly impressive, allowing only 18.4 points per game. They have held six opponents to 20 or fewer points and have recorded two shutouts. Notably, they shut out Duke 23-0 when the Blue Devils were ranked No. 20, and limited Virginia Tech to just three points in a 34-3 victory.

The dynamic duo of Mitchell and D.J. Wagner were the driving forces for Kentucky, each contributing 22 points to the team’s triumph. Wagner also impressed with a season-high six assists, displaying his versatility on the court. Antonio Reeves also made a significant impact, contributing 20 points, while Rob Dillingham added 13 points to the tally. Justin Edwards rounded off the impressive offensive display, joining his teammates in double figures with 13 points, as well as contributing six assists and five rebounds.

Zeno, who also works as a research assistant for Dr. Andreas Stamatis, presented her groundbreaking research titled “Exploring the Role of Mental Toughness in Bone Mineral Content: A Preliminary Study.” This study was the result of a collaborative effort between the University of Louisville (UofL), UofL Health, Baylor University, and Texas Tech University.

All six divers who competed in the platform event managed to qualify for the finals, with four of them achieving NCAA Zone Cuts. Praasterink, with a score of 310.75, topped the leaderboard to claim the first-place finish. Teammate Samm Helmboldt showcased her talent and secured a zone cut score of 261.35, securing a second-place finish. Grace Leonard finished in fifth position with a score of 224.40, and Lindsay Gizzi rounded out the final with a respectable seventh-place finish. Gizzi’s fine performance in the preliminaries earned her an NCAA zone cut score of 240.50.

The senior quarterback’s most memorable play came in the final minutes of the game when he connected with wide receiver Kevin Coleman for a 58-yard scoring pass, ultimately securing the win for the Cardinals. This triumphant play also secured Louisville’s spot in their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference title game against Florida State, which will take place on December 2nd at Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Now, the Wildcats turn their attention to Louisville, a team that has had a remarkable season under first-year head coach Jeff Brohm. Stoops expressed admiration for the Cardinals’ fundamental soundness in all aspects of the game, their disruptive defense, and efficient run game.

Grome’s exceptional performance on the court this week added to her NCAA-leading average of 12.00 assists per set. She played a pivotal role in leading the UK offense to a .372 hitting percentage in two matches combined, registering 12.88 assists per set during the week. Grome’s standout performance included 55 assists against Texas A&M and 48 assists against Mizzou. She also showcased her defensive skills with six digs in each match, and her decision-making and leadership were instrumental in the Wildcats’ three total sets where they hit .500 or above as a team.

Hailing from Buggenhout, Belgium, Vanroose showcased her talent throughout the fall cross country season, competing in three meets for the Cardinals. Notably, she achieved a personal-best 6K time of 21:06.2 at the Arturo Barrios Invitational.

After securing their 10th win of the season with a 38-31 victory over Miami, the Cardinals earned a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title game, marking their first appearance in any conference championship. Brohm expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments but emphasized that their focus now turns to the important rivalry game against Kentucky.

The Cardinals have a long history at Madison Square Garden, having played there 54 times dating back to 1948. Many memorable moments have taken place in this historic venue, including championships and tournament titles. Louisville’s head coach Kenny Payne previously served as an assistant coach for the NBA’s New York Knicks, who also call Madison Square Garden home. Payne’s return trip to Madison Square Garden serves as a reunion for two other members of the Louisville staff, Gabe Snider and Justin Perez, who both previously worked for the Knicks.