Louisville MBB Recap: Cards Prevail Over Chattanooga On Opening Night

The No. 11 Louisville Cardinals opened the 2026-27 men’s basketball season with an 84-70 victory over Chattanooga at the Yum Center, using a balanced offensive attack and disruptive defensive effort to get the season started off right.

Louisville showed plenty of promise in its season debut, placing five players in double figures while controlling the rebounding battle and forcing 18 Chattanooga turnovers. Although the Cardinals had some offensive struggles, particularly from beyond the arc and at the free throw line, their defensive pressure helped create separation and keep Chattanooga from a serious comeback.

Flory Bidunga led the way for Louisville with 16 points and 9 rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. He also contributed three steals while shooting an efficient 6-of-9 from the field. Adrian Wooley added 15 points and made his presence felt defensively with four steals, helping Louisville disrupt Chattanooga’s offensive rhythm.

Jackson Shelstad and Seth Trimble each finished with 13 points. Shelstad added seven rebounds and three assists, providing contributions across the stat sheet. Folgueiras rounded out Louisville’s double figure scorers with 10 points, while Karter Knox delivered a strong effort on the glass with nine points and 11 rebounds.

The Cardinals finished 30-of-68 from the field, shooting 44 percent overall. Louisville connected on just 9 of its 35 attempts from three-point range, good for 25.7 percent.

Despite those shooting inconsistencies, Louisville found other ways to win. The Cardinals out-rebounded Chattanooga 42-38 and committed just 10 turnovers compared to 18 by Chattanooga. That six turnover advantage proved important in a game where Louisville did not consistently find its rhythm offensively.

Chattanooga shot 43.9 percent from the field and was more effective from long distance, knocking down 12-of-33 three-point attempts. Chattanooga also converted 13-of-21 free throws but ultimately struggled to overcome Louisville’s defensive pressure and ball security.

For Louisville, the season opener offered both encouraging signs and areas for improvement. The balanced scoring, contributions from the front court, and defensive activity provided a solid foundation as the Cardinals begin their season.

A 84-70 victory gets the Cardinals off to a winning start, but the focus now shifts toward building consistency, improving perimeter efficiency, and continuing to develop chemistry as the season progresses.

Louisville will face Morehead State on Saturday at noon at the Yum.