October 28, 2026
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2026) — The No. 11 Louisville men’s basketball team closed out its preseason schedule Wednesday night with a commanding 71-39 exhibition victory over Mercyhurst at the KFC Yum! Center, using a dominant second-half performance to pull away from the Lakers.
Flory Bidunga led the Cardinals with 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots. The Kansas transfer shot 9 of 13 from the field and delivered several powerful dunks that energized the home crowd.
Louisville jumped out to an early 6-0 lead but struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm throughout the opening half. Mercyhurst capitalized on missed shots and turnovers to remain within striking distance, trailing just 30-21 at halftime.
The Cardinals returned from the locker room with renewed energy, opening the second half with a 19-7 run that extended their advantage to 49-28. Louisville connected on eight of its first 11 shots after halftime, using its size and athleticism to dominate around the basket.
Bidunga provided much of the offensive spark, finishing strong at the rim while helping Louisville control the interior.
Seth Trimble added 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Karter Knox and De’Shayne Montgomery contributed 10 points apiece.
Louisville’s defensive effort proved equally impressive. The Cardinals limited Mercyhurst to 23.9% shooting from the field and held the Lakers to just 18 second-half points.
The Cardinals controlled the rebounding battle 51-32 and outscored Mercyhurst 56-14 in the paint. Louisville finished shooting 50.8% from the field despite making just two of its 13 attempts from 3-point range.
Mercyhurst’s Jake Lemelman led the Lakers with 13 points.
While Louisville’s interior dominance highlighted the victory, the Cardinals still have areas to address before the regular season. Louisville committed 17 turnovers and shot just 52.9% from the free-throw line.
The victory completed an undefeated exhibition schedule for second-year coach Pat Kelsey’s Cardinals, who also defeated Kansas 89-83 in an earlier preseason matchup.
Louisville now turns its attention to the regular season, where expectations remain high for a roster featuring several talented newcomers.
The Cardinals open the 2026-27 regular season Monday, Nov. 2, against Chattanooga at the KFC Yum! Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.
Final score: Louisville 71, Mercyhurst 39
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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.
