November 21, 2025
The Louisville vs. Cincinnati basketball rivalry returned in dramatic fashion as the No. 6 Louisville Cardinals defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 74–64 at Heritage Bank Center. In one of the most anticipated non-conference games of the early season, Louisville used a dominant second half to secure the victory and move to 5–0.
Louisville overcame a slow start, including 10 straight missed shots, before locking in defensively and taking control after halftime. Cincinnati opened strong but couldn’t sustain momentum against Louisville’s pressure and elite guard play.
Cincinnati jumped ahead quickly, taking advantage of Louisville’s cold shooting stretch. The Bearcats went up 15–4, fueled by strong interior play and efficient ball movement.
Louisville responded midway through the half with a 15–2 run led by standout freshman Mikel Brown Jr. His attacking pace helped the Cardinals settle in, though Cincinnati still entered halftime with a 32–28 lead.
Louisville leaders include Ryan Conwell with 25 points and 5 three-pointers. Freshman Mikel Brown Jr. had another stellar performance with 22 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.
The Cards remain undefeated and will be back in action on Monday, November 24 against Eastern Michigan.
Photos by Roscelle Griffin
Roscelle Griffin, a talented photographer from Johnson City, Tennessee, excelled as a women’s basketball player at the University of Louisville. Her passion for photography, ignited by her grandmother’s gift of a Polaroid camera, now drives her to capture moments that transport viewers into a world of boldness and excitement. Roscelle’s media company, 502 Media Now, specializes in sports videography and photography, showcasing the dynamic world of sports while also excelling in real estate, headshots, weddings, and events.
