LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In a disappointing performance, the Louisville men’s basketball team suffered an 81-71 loss against Chattanooga at the KFC Yum! Center. The Cardinals struggled to defend the three-point line, allowing Chattanooga to sink 14 shots from beyond the arc, while also permitting the Mocs to shoot at an impressive 58% in the second half.
Entering halftime trailing 33-27, the Cardinals were hopeful of turning the game around. However, Chattanooga began the second half with an 8-0 run, quickly extending their lead and ultimately reaching a 21-point advantage with 6:52 remaining. Louisville’s head coach, Kenny Payne, acknowledged the opposing team’s determination, stating, “They walked in not afraid of us and executed their game plan. I thought they were the aggressors tonight.”
Louisville struggled with their defensive efforts and failed to match the energy displayed by the Mocs. Payne took responsibility for the team’s lackluster performance, admitting, “That falls on not just the players but coaches as well. I take accountability for that.”
Despite their shortcomings, the Cardinals made a late push, embarking on a 12-0 run in the final minutes of the game. Sophomore guard Skyy Clark’s three-point play brought Louisville within seven points at the 2:16 mark. However, Chattanooga’s Jan Zidek responded with a crucial three-pointer, effectively extinguishing any hopes of a comeback.
Sophomore guard Tre White and redshirt sophomore guard/forward Mike James were the leading scorers for Louisville with 17 points each. Junior forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield also made his presence felt, contributing six points and a career-high 14 rebounds.
Chattanooga’s Honor Huff proved to be a thorn in Louisville’s side, scoring a game-high 25 points, including an impressive 7-for-13 performance from beyond the arc. Myles Che also made a significant impact with 22 points.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will aim to regroup as they conclude their homestand against Coppin State on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. The team recognizes the need for improvement, and Mike James emphasized the importance of change, stating, “Something’s definitely got to change. Between us, we have to come together as a group, get better at practice and attacking in practice. We need to come out and give a better effort in the next game for sure.”
In their upcoming matchup, Louisville must address their defensive vulnerabilities and bring the energy necessary to secure a victory. The team’s unity and commitment will be essential factors in bouncing back from this disappointing loss.
