LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The No. 11 Louisville Cardinals showcased a powerful start to their season with a commanding 104-45 win against South Carolina State in their opening game on Monday night.
Leading the charge for Louisville was sophomore Khani Rooths, who scored a career-high 20 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the field while also matching his personal best with seven rebounds. His performance exemplified the confidence and skill he has developed during his time with the team.
Senior guard Isaac McKneely, a transfer from Virginia, had a notable debut, contributing 17 points with 12 of them coming in the first half. McKneely’s shooting was a key factor, as he hit four 3-pointers, including two that sparked a 13-0 run right at the start of the matchup. He capped off an impressive half by nailing another three-pointer just before the buzzer, leading to a staggering halftime score of 59-15.
The Bulldogs of South Carolina State struggled significantly, starting the game 0 for 12 from the field and failing to score for the first 9:18. Although they managed to find the basket intermittently, the team suffered through a 25-turnover game and finished with a shooting percentage of just 22.8%. Rayniel Wright was a bright spot for South Carolina State, scoring 11 points and converting 9 of 10 from the free-throw line.
Returning to action after a six-year absence from the polls, Louisville demonstrated depth and teamwork, as they assisted on 23 of their 33 field goals while shooting 53.2% overall. J’Vonne Hadley, the Cardinals’ lone returning starter from last season, added 13 points to the scoreline, while five-star recruit Mikel Brown Jr. made an impressive debut with 11 points and six assists.
Looking ahead, South Carolina State will face Samford on Friday night, while Louisville is set to host Jackson State on Thursday, aiming to build on their strong season opener. The early success of the Cardinals has fans optimistic about the potential for the rest of the season.