Louisville 74, Cincinnati 64
November 21, 2025 | Heritage Bank Center — Cincinnati, OH
This game will understandably feel like another “moral victory” for Cincinnati fans, but it was a genuinely encouraging performance. The Bearcats proved they can compete with top-tier national contenders, while Louisville showed they can still grind out wins on nights when the offense isn’t firing.
A Tale of Two Halves
Cincinnati controlled nearly every major category in the first half, taking a 32–28 lead into the break. The Bearcats held Louisville’s explosive offense to just 7–27 shooting and 4–17 from deep. The only thing keeping the Cardinals afloat early was their 10–11 performance at the free-throw line.
UC wasn’t lights out either (4–15 from three, 12–32 overall), but they were the aggressors. They won the early rebounding battle 24–18, doubled up Louisville in assists 10–5, and matched the Cards with six turnovers. At halftime, both teams had a single scorer in double figures — Day Day Thomas for UC and Mikel Brown for Louisville.
Looking back, Cincinnati will be frustrated they didn’t stretch the lead further. The pace, the physicality, and the shot quality all tilted their way early — it felt like the recipe for a true upset bid.
Louisville’s Surge
The problem for teams who lean on defense is simple: elite offenses eventually find rhythm. Cincinnati couldn’t withstand Louisville’s second-half surge.
The Cardinals exploded for 46 points after the break, with Ryan Conwell and Mikel Brown combining for 29 of them. Sananda Fru added 9 second-half points, a notable positive for Louisville fans concerned about the frontcourt entering the season.
Once Louisville got rolling, they gradually pulled away, imposing their pace and shot-making over the final 15 minutes.
Key Performances
Louisville
- Ryan Conwell: 25 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 1 TO (34 min)
- Mikel Brown: 22 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast, 4 TO (31 min)
- Sananda Fru: 11 pts, 4 reb, 0 TO (23 min)
Cincinnati
- Day Day Thomas: 12 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast, 3 TO (34 min)
- Shon Abaev: 12 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast, 2 TO (27 min)
- Moustapha Thiam: 10 pts, 9 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk, 1 TO (26 min)
- Baba Miller: 9 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast, 1 TO (25 min)
- Sencire Harris: 9 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast, elite defensive impact (20 min)
NKY’s Takeaways:
Louisville showed they can win ugly
They were ice-cold early, facing one of the best defenses in the country. Grinding out a road win — especially in a game that demanded defensive toughness — is exactly what Final Four teams do.
Cincinnati’s defense is absolutely legit
The Bearcats entered the night #2 in KenPom defensive efficiency, and Louisville hadn’t scored fewer than 96 points in any game this season. Holding this offense to 74 is a major validation of what Wes Miller has built.
The Cardinals’ frontcourt may not be a liability after all
Khalifa remains a limited rotation piece, but Fru is emerging as a real answer inside.
Rebounding remains Louisville’s most concerning area
No traditional big is cleaning the glass consistently, but Conwell, Brown, and Rooths each grabbing five boards shows a team-wide approach that may be workable.
Cincinnati’s free-throw shooting is a real problem
UC went 10–16 tonight and now sits 326th nationally (63%). That will lose them games — period.
The Bearcat offense isn’t keeping pace with the defense
Cincinnati ranks 167th in offensive efficiency while playing at the 32nd-fastest tempo — the fastest Wes Miller has ever used at UC. Given the roster makeup and early-season results, there’s reason to question whether this style best suits the personnel.
Final Thoughts
For Louisville, this was the kind of gritty, defensive win that strengthens their profile as a Final Four contender. They survived poor shooting, leaned on their elite backcourt, and closed out a physical game.
For Cincinnati, the takeaway is clear: this team is for real defensively. The Bearcats went toe-to-toe with one of the nation’s best teams and controlled much of the night. If the offense stabilizes — or even becomes average — this has the look of an NCAA Tournament team.
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