LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — They were standing and making relentless noise in the forgotten seats at the KFC Yum! Center Saturday afternoon.
The seats that have been unnecessary for three, four or five seasons at the downtown arena. Up in section 319, tucked behind the northeast video boards. And in section 330, behind the south end basket.
“They’re loud, aren’t they?” Louisville athletic director Josh Heird said as he made his way off the floor midway through the first half of the Cards’ 81-67 victory over Virginia.
Yes, they were loud — and they were everywhere, including every corner of the upper arena. The announced attendance was 18,233, the largest announced number for a U of L men’s home game since January 2022.
If you’re scoring at home, the largest crowd last season was 17,293. But that was mostly Kentucky fans. The largest crowd for a non-UK game was 12,620 for Duke.
This was as loud and as joyous as people have been in this building since … 2021 … 2017 … you decide.
Heird was on the court for the timeout ceremony to recognize former U of L athletic director Bill Olsen, who was honored by having the court named for him at the basketball practice facility.
That was one of a string of moments when the building percolated with the energy that bubbled in Freedom Hall when Olsen, first as an assistant coach and later as an AD, teamed with Denny Crum to make Louisville basketball a potent national force.
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The two men could shake hands and agree that Pat Kelsey has given U of L fans a product to love again. The Cards just swept Virginia, the first time they’ve swept any ACC opponent since Louisville built Duke twice during the 2020-21 season.
They’re 14-5 overall and 7-11 in the ACC, winners of eight straight games, trailing only Duke in the conference standings.
“They’re the hottest team in the league right now,” interim Virginia coach Ron Sanchez said. “They’re playing really good basketball. They share the ball … I believe the ball has energy. The more you touch it, the better you feel.”
Reyne Smith confirmed his place as the most prolific three-point shooter in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the third most prolific shooter in the country by making 65th, 66th, 67th and 68th shots from distance on his way to scoring 19 points.
James Scott delivered 12 points and 10 rebounds. Terrance Edwards Jr. had 16, despite missing all five shots from distance. J’Vonne Hadley finished with 13.
The Cards have a one-game assignment next week, visiting SMU in Dallas Tuesday at 9 p.m.
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The Louisville Cardinals continue to soar to new heights as they secure their 8th straight win with a commanding 81-67 victory over Virginia. The KFC Yum! Center was rocking with the season’s largest crowd as fans celebrated another impressive performance from their team.
Louisville’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with guard Carlik Jones leading the way with 20 points and 10 assists. The Cardinals also got a strong contribution from forward Jae’Lyn Withers, who finished with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Defensively, Louisville was able to stifle Virginia’s usually potent offense, holding them to just 67 points on 39% shooting. The Cardinals’ pressure defense forced 15 turnovers and disrupted the Cavaliers’ rhythm throughout the game.
The win extends Louisville’s winning streak to 8 games, further solidifying their position as a top contender in the ACC. With momentum on their side, the Cardinals are looking like a team that no one wants to face come tournament time.
The atmosphere at the KFC Yum! Center was electric, with fans showing their support for the team in full force. It was a fitting celebration for a team that continues to exceed expectations and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
As the regular season winds down and March Madness approaches, Louisville is a team to keep an eye on. With their recent success and a talented roster, the Cardinals are poised to make some noise in the postseason. Be sure to tune in and see what this team can accomplish as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
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