Arena: The KFC Yum Center, Louisville, KY 

Date: 10/28/2025

Louisville allowed Bucknell to hang around heading into the u4 media timeout of the 1st half, however, after that, Louisville clamped down on defense and the Bison scored just 11 points in a little over 10 minutes spanning the two halves. in that time, Louisville opened as much as a 22 point lead while really opening the bench and getting some needed rotation. 

This was the final exhibition for both teams, Louisville with a great bounce back after the loss to Kansas this weekend! 

The defining factor of this game was Louisville pushing the gas with xx three point field goals made. Louisville attempted 23 3’s and 62 total FG’s. A positive for Bucknell was their ability to draw fouls and get to the FT line, drawing 10 fouls in the first and 9 in the second! this led to an 22-28 performance from the FT line. 

Louisville closed the first half on a 23-1 run, to go up by 17 at the break and they never looked back after that. The second half was an extension of that final 4 minutes of the first half with Louisville never allowed Bucknell to get back in the game. 

One of the Best Backcourts in the Country, but Is the Front Court enough? 

I have said all year that this Cardinal team might be the best backcourt in the country. Looking at tonight’s performance, the potential is there! The grouping of Mikel Brown Jr, Isaac Mckneely and Ryan Conwell combined for 61 points! 

The top performer on both teams was clearly Mikel Brown Jr, the 5* freshman who left the NBA scouts I was able to speak to in attendance tonight pleased. His final line was 28 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 turnover. Per usual, the freshman will have some work to do on the defensive side of the ball. 

Isaac Mckneely (transfer from UVA) added in 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. He had one turnover and added 2 steals on the defensive side of the ball. 

6’4” guard Ryan Conwell led the Cardinals with 8 rebounds, and added on 15 points, 1 assist, 0 turnovers, 1 foul, a block and a steal! Ryan’s defense on this team, much like last year’s Xavier team is going to be crucial to the Cardinal success! 

The Cardinals only had 26 points come from their bench players, and that will be a major key to how this team is able to progress this year. Guys like Wooley (Kennesaw State transfer, did not score until ~ the 6 minute mark in the 2H), Aly Khalifa (2) and Khani Rooths (9) will be looked at as some key guys off the bench.

Overall, I have significant concerns about the Louisville Front court, but expect them to play a 4 out style and rely heavily on their 3 point shooting. 

Keys to Bucknell’s Game: 

The Bison were led by Riot Bijiek with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 turnover, 1 block and 3 steals. 

 Amon Dorries was also in double figures with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 1 blocks. 

The Bison are projected outside of the top 4 in the patriot league this year, but based off of tonight’s performance, I think some of the preseason prognostications are a bit low on Bucknell in the Patriot league. 

What’s Next

Louisville will open their season on Monday Nov 3 vs. South Carolina State! They have a loaded NC Slate, and their first big game is 11/11 vs. UK in Louisville! I will continue to provide more on the Cards throughout the year! 

Bucknell will open their season on Monday November 3rd vs. Delaware! Their NC slate is highlighted by trips to Pitt, St. John’s, Akron, and Iowa. They also get Bowling Green and Buffalo on a neutral court! 

Finally, I wanted to shout out the Louisville fans for showing up on an ugly night in October for a game that is completely meaningless. Not a full arena by any means, but solid fan participation!