Louisville opened its 2024-25 campaign with a commanding 84-70 victory over visiting Chattanooga, maintaining its streak of winning season openers for the 22nd consecutive year. The Cardinals established early dominance, holding a double-digit lead for over 36 minutes of the contest. All five starters contributed in double figures, with the team shooting an efficient 45 percent from the field. Preseason All-American Flory Bidunga anchored the frontcourt with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, while Adrian Wooley added 15 points and four steals to complement Jackson Shelstad’s 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Cardinals’ first-half surge masks second-half lapse as Bidunga and Wooley lead balanced attack
Despite the final score, head coach Pat Kelsey noted areas for improvement in the second half, where Louisville’s intensity and efficiency dipped noticeably. After entering halftime with a commanding 21-point lead, the Cardinals allowed Chattanooga to outscore them 35-28 in the final 20 minutes. The Southern Conference squad successfully defended the perimeter, limiting Louisville to just one made three-pointer on 16 attempts. Additionally, the Cards committed seven of their 10 total turnovers during the second frame, a lapse that Kelsey plans to address before Saturday’s matchup against Morehead State.
The performance highlights the depth of Louisville’s roster while underscoring the need for sustained focus throughout the game. While the first-half execution was elite, the second-half struggles against a team picked to finish in the SoCon provide critical film review material. With the season opener in the books, the Cardinals now turn their attention to maintaining their high level of play against Morehead State, aiming to correct the defensive lapses and shooting inconsistencies that nearly allowed Chattanooga to close the gap.
Source: Yahoo Sports
