Louisville Defeats South Carolina State 104-45: Game Recap Nov 3, 2025
The Louisville Cardinals delivered a spectacular performance on November 3, 2025, defeating South Carolina State with a staggering score of 104-45. This game marked the season opener for both teams at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Key Performers
Khani Rooths led the Cardinals with an impressive 20 points. The sophomore made 8 of 12 attempts from the field and matched his personal best by grabbing seven rebounds. Rooths is one of the few returning players under coach Pat Kelsey, who is entering his second season.
- Isaac McKneely: The senior guard, a transfer from Virginia, contributed significantly with 17 points. He scored 12 of these in the first half and shot 4 of 8 from beyond the three-point line.
- Rayniel Wright: He led the Bulldogs with 11 points, converting 9 out of 10 free throws.
- J’Vonne Hadley: The lone starter returning from last season added 13 points for Louisville.
- Mikel Brown Jr.: In his debut, the five-star recruit finished with 11 points and six assists.
Game Highlights
The Cardinals started strong, launching a 13-0 run early in the game. McKneely’s two three-pointers set the momentum, culminating in a halftime lead of 59-15. The second half continued in favor of Louisville, maintaining high efficiency with a shooting percentage of 53.2%.
South Carolina State Struggles
On the other hand, South Carolina State faced significant challenges. The Bulldogs began the game with a dismal shooting performance, failing to score in the first 9:18 and finishing with just 22.8% shooting. They also committed 25 turnovers, compounding their difficulties throughout the match.
Looking Ahead
Louisville’s next game will be on Thursday night against Jackson State, while South Carolina State will face Samford on Friday. Both teams look to build on this season opener as they move forward.
