After bouncing back from its first loss, No. 11 Louisville will look to continue a heavy three-point attack on Saturday afternoon when it hosts Memphis.
The programs were once rivals in the Metro Conference and Conference USA but have not faced off since 2017. This matchup is the first in a six-game series between the schools.
No. 11 Louisville (8-1) defeated Indiana 87-78 on Saturday, highlighted by shooting 13-for-31 from 3-point range. Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely combined for 36 points, including 8-for-16 shooting from beyond the arc. Three other Louisville players scored in double figures as the Cardinals built a 41-27 halftime lead and held on for the win.
Louisville averages 12.7 3-pointers per game, third-most in the NCAA. The Cardinals’ 3-point attack is led by senior transfers Conwell (19.7 points per game, 42% 3-point shooting) and McKneely (12.4 points per game, 42.9% 3-point shooting). Freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. has been impressive in directing the offense (16.7 points and 5.3 assists per game).
In picking up the win, the Cardinals bounced back from their first loss of the season on Wednesday.
“After a really tough loss the other day at Arkansas, we just kept preaching the response. … and we were able to bounce back and get a big win,” said Kelsey.
Kelsey later termed his coaching off the Arkansas loss as “some aggressive counseling” but noted that “the guys responded.” He particularly praised Conwell and his 21-point effort that “really set the tone.”
While the 3-point shooting is flashy, Louisville’s defense also stood out. The Cardinals are holding opponents to 37.4% shooting overall — 14th best in the nation.
“You could feel that we were leaning forward on the defensive end,” Kelsey said of Louisville’s latest win. “We wanted to play with pace by getting stops, not fouling, and holding them to one shot.”
Memphis (4-4) is finally finding its stride, posting three straight wins after a rough start to the season. On Saturday, the Tigers defeated Baylor 78-71 at home.
South Carolina transfer Zachary Davis had his best game as a Tiger with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Former Kentucky and Ohio State big man Aaron Bradshaw added 17 points and seven boards.
Memphis won despite shooting just 3-for-16 from 3-point range, largely by holding Baylor to 34.4% shooting overall.
“This is a movement in the right direction for us,” Memphis coach Penny Hardaway said. “We’re building something and the guys are starting to buy in. Even though we’re still undermanned, we’re still finding a way to win.”
Hardaway’s team has struggled with injuries and an uncertain roster but he noted his pleasure at the performances of Davis and Bradshaw.
“They’re starting to grasp what I’m saying,” Hardaway said. “These games only build more confidence. And when you give these guys confidence, they’re different players.”
Guards Julius Thedford and Curtis Givens were unavailable for Memphis against Baylor due to injury.
Twelve different players already have started for the Tigers, with Kansas State transfer Dug McDaniel the only player averaging more than 23 minutes per game. McDaniel, a 5-foot-11 point guard, leads the Tigers with 13.9 points and 6.4 assists per game.
–Field Level Media
