Louisville uses late second-half surge and bench scoring to beat Notre Dame 76-65 at home

Cardinals steady themselves after early deficit, then separate with a decisive run

LOUISVILLE — No. 24 Louisville used a timely second-half burst and balanced scoring to defeat Notre Dame 76-65 on Wednesday, Feb. 4, improving to 16-6 overall and 6-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Notre Dame fell to 11-12 and 2-8 in league play.

The game’s turning point came after the Irish stayed within striking distance for much of the night. Ryan Conwell scored 12 points, including seven during a 15-1 Louisville run after halftime that helped the Cardinals create breathing room. Khani Rooths added 12 points off the bench, providing a stabilizing scoring lift during key minutes.

Efficiency at the line and control inside helped offset cold perimeter shooting

Louisville’s offense was uneven from long range, but the Cardinals compensated by winning the physical areas of the game. They shot 7-of-31 from 3-point distance (23%) and 41% overall, yet controlled the paint and the glass. Louisville outrebounded Notre Dame 46-35 and held a 40-22 advantage in points in the paint.

Free throws also tilted the math. Louisville made 13 of 18 attempts at the line, while Notre Dame went 6 of 14. That margin helped Louisville maintain separation even as Notre Dame connected on 11 of 27 3-point attempts (41%).

• Louisville: 46 rebounds; 40 paint points; 13-of-18 free throws
• Notre Dame: 11 made 3-pointers; 6-of-14 free throws

Notre Dame’s shooting kept pressure on Louisville, but late defense finished the job

Notre Dame’s most productive scorer was Cole Certa, who finished with 18 points and five 3-pointers. Brady Koehler added 11 points. The Irish led 16-9 early before Louisville responded, and the game featured multiple lead changes as the teams traded momentum before Louisville established a halftime edge.

Louisville’s late stretch included a steal and three-point play by Conwell that pushed the lead to 64-54 with about six minutes remaining.

Louisville also received double-figure scoring from Isaac McKneely (13 points, four 3-pointers) and Sananda Fru (12). Kasean Pryor contributed 10 points off the bench as the Cardinals extended their winning streak to two games.

What’s next

Louisville is scheduled to visit Wake Forest on Saturday. Notre Dame returns home to face Florida State on Saturday.