CRAWFORD | Louisville beat Chattanooga 84-70 in its opener. Pat Kelsey was still ticked off. Here’s why.
Key Points:
- Louisville opened the 2026-27 basketball season with an 84-70 win over Chattanooga, showcasing a strong first half but struggling significantly in the second half with shooting and free-throw accuracy.
- The Cardinals scored 56 points in the first half with 57.7% shooting and eight three-pointers but dropped to 28 points in the second half, shooting just 29% and missing 11 free throws overall.
- Coach Pat Kelsey expressed disappointment not just in the shooting slump but in the team's defensive and rebounding effort declining after halftime, emphasizing the need to maintain intensity regardless of shooting success.
- Key players included Flory Bidunga with 16 points and nine rebounds, Adrian Wooley with 15 points and aggressive play, and Karter Knox with 11 rebounds, while freshman Isaac Ellis saw extended minutes due to injuries in the roster.
- Louisville faces challenges with guard De’Shayne Montgomery sidelined for 4-6 weeks and center Gabe Dynes recovering from shoulder surgery, but Kelsey remains optimistic about the team's potential and leadership despite the uneven performance.