Louisville pulls away from Baylor after halftime, winning neutral-site matchup at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena

Cardinals turn a tie game into a double-digit win

Louisville used a second-half surge to separate from Baylor on Saturday, February 14, 2026, turning a 34-34 halftime tie into a 73-63 win in Fort Worth, Texas. The neutral-court matchup at Dickies Arena featured long stretches of even play early, before Louisville’s efficiency and perimeter shooting created a cushion after the break.

The game represented the programs’ second meeting on record and came with both teams trying to add a high-value nonconference result late in the regular season calendar. Louisville entered the day at 18-6 overall, while Baylor was 13-11.

Second-half shot-making and defense tilt the game

Louisville’s offense was steadier in the final 20 minutes, scoring 39 points after halftime. The Cardinals finished at 55% shooting (27-for-49) and made 8 of 18 three-point attempts. Baylor struggled from the perimeter, making 2 of 18 from three-point range, a gap that proved decisive even as the Bears got to the free-throw line frequently.

Baylor attempted 26 free throws and made 23, but those extra points were offset by missed jumpers and Louisville’s ability to convert clean looks. Louisville also played within its structure, totaling 18 assists while keeping turnovers to 10.

• Halftime: tied 34-34
• Second half: Louisville 39, Baylor 29
• Three-point shooting: Louisville 8-for-18; Baylor 2-for-18
• Free throws: Baylor 23-for-26; Louisville 11-for-12

Key performers

Freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr. led Louisville with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three, and added six assists and five steals. J’Vonne Hadley provided 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting and hit both of his three-point attempts, giving Louisville a consistent interior-and-transition scoring option.

For Baylor, Tounde Yessoufou scored 16 points, while Isaac Williams IV added 15. Baylor’s Cameron Carr was limited to five points on 1-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-6 from three, as Louisville’s pressure and help defense reduced clean perimeter attempts.

Louisville’s ability to win despite Baylor’s major edge at the free-throw line underscored the impact of shot selection and three-point efficiency in a neutral-court setting.

What it means going forward

The result gives Louisville a notable nonconference win away from home while reinforcing a blueprint that travels: generate turnovers, share the ball, and make threes at a higher rate than the opponent. For Baylor, the performance highlighted the risk of relying on free throws when perimeter shots are not falling, particularly against teams that can score efficiently without needing high foul volume.