Louisville Cardinals Face Off Against South Carolina State in Season Opener

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The No. 10 Louisville Cardinals began their second year under head coach Kelsey today against South Carolina State with a tipoff scheduled for 9 p.m. at the Yum! Center.

The Cardinals posted a 1-1 record in exhibition games against Division I teams last month, setting the stage for their regular season. Coach Kelsey emphasized the importance of today’s game as they face off against an archrival next week.

“Guys are getting comfortable in their roles; roles are being defined,” Kelsey said after a recent win. “They’re developing off-court chemistry; they’re developing on-court chemistry. That’s every team in the country. We’re not a finished product, but nobody is.”

South Carolina State enters Year 4 under coach Erik Martin, ranked 322nd out of 365 Division I teams. The Bulldogs had a strong showing last season, finishing with a 20-13 record and reaching the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament championship game.

Among the Bulldogs’ key players is sophomore guard Jayden Johnson, the league’s preseason Player of the Year. Last season, he scored 156 points and contributed in various statistical categories.

As for the Cardinals, a team spokesperson confirmed that a sixth-year forward has been cleared to play but will only take the court if fully ready. “We don’t want to put him out there until he’s truly ready,” Kelsey stated.

The game will air on the ACC Network, and fans can also listen on the Cardinal Sports Network. Betting odds list Louisville as a 35.5-point favorite, with score predictions favoring the Cardinals.

As excitement builds for their season opener, Louisville hopes to establish momentum heading into a crucial rivalry match next week.