Louisville and Cincinnati Clash in Intense Basketball Rivalry

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Cardinals collide with the Cincinnati Bearcats in a highly anticipated neutral-court basketball showdown on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. ET. This matchup marks the 101st meeting in a long-standing rivalry, with both teams boasting unbeaten records of 4-0.

Year two under head coach Pat Kelsey has started off strong for the Cardinals. After impressive victories against South Carolina State and Jackson State, Louisville gained momentum with a thrilling 96-88 upset over No. 9 Kentucky. The Cardinals recently dominated Ohio with a 106-81 win, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Leading the way for Louisville is true freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr., averaging 19.3 points and 6.8 assists per game. His backcourt partner, Ryan Conwell, a transfer from Xavier, is also making waves with 19.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Cincinnati, led by head coach Wes Miller, shares a similar record and will also look to make a statement. The Bearcats have outclassed Western Carolina, Georgia State, Mount St. Mary’s, and secured a crucial win over Dayton. Cincinnati’s defense stands out, ranking second in college basketball, allowing just 61 points per game.

Star forward Baba Miller, who transferred from Florida State and FAU, leads Cincinnati with 15.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. The Bearcats have four additional players averaging double-figure scoring, making them a formidable opponent.

This matchup holds historical significance as well. Louisville holds a slight lead in the all-time series, 56-44, but Cincinnati won the last encounter on November 23, 2022, defeating the Cardinals 81-62 in the Maui Invitational.

The game, featuring major players on both sides, is more than just a contest—it’s a battle for bragging rights and a pivotal moment in both teams’ seasons. The contest will air on ESPN2 and be streamed on various platforms, including the TuneIn app. Fans are eager to see how their team performs as both schools strive for dominance in this classic rivalry.

Anticipation is high as the teams face off for the first leg of a two-year neutral site series, with a return matchup scheduled for the 2026-27 season at Freedom Hall.