– Louisville men’s basketball is set to host their crosstown rivals, Bellarmine, in an exciting matchup at the KFC Yum! Center on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game on ACC Network Extra.
– The Cardinals are coming off a thrilling overtime win against New Mexico State, with head coach Kenny Payne securing his first overtime victory. Meanwhile, Bellarmine suffered a close 62-58 loss on the road against West Virginia coached by former Cardinal assistant Scott Davenport.
– Louisville has dominated the series against Bellarmine with a 12-1 record. However, the Knights managed to secure a narrow 67-66 victory in last year’s season opener.
– In their first two games, the Cardinals struggled defensively, allowing UMBC and Chattanooga to shoot 45.5% from behind the arc. However, in their last four games, they have tightened up their defense, holding their opponents to a mere 17.4% from 3-point range.
– Louisville leads the country in free-throw attempts per game (30.3) and ranks second in made free throws per game (22.0). They have made a total of 132 free throws, the second-highest through six games since 2010. The Cardinals have also outperformed their opponents in free throws, attempting 58 more shots and making more free throws than their opponents have even attempted (124).
– In their recent victory against New Mexico State, Louisville recorded their highest number of made free throws (36) and attempts (49) since 2018. Skyy Clark tallied 15 made free throws, the most by a Cardinal since 2010, and his 16 attempts were the most since 2014.
– Sophomore guard Skyy Clark has found his rhythm in the last three games, averaging 22.7 points per game. He has improved his shooting from long range and the free-throw line, going 8-for-19 from 3-point range and 24-for-28 from the stripe.
– Bellarmine’s head coach, Scott Davenport, spent nine seasons on the UofL staff from 1996-2005. He was an assistant under head coach Denny Crum and then served as administrative assistant to head coach Rick Pitino. Additionally, Bellarmine assistant coach Doug Davenport was Louisville’s Director of Video Operations from 2012-15.
– In their previous meeting, Bellarmine came out on top with a 67-66 victory in Louisville’s season opener at the KFC Yum! Center. Despite a late rally from the Cardinals, they were unable to regain the lead. Jae’Lyn Withers led Louisville with 17 points, while Mike James contributed 16 points in his college debut. Senior guard El Ellis added 14 points and five assists, and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield finished with nine points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.
Fans can expect an intense matchup between these cross-town rivals, as Louisville looks to avenge last year’s loss and secure a victory on their home court.
