They have played 100 times but not since 2022 in the Maui Invitational. The Enquirer has confirmed an
initial report by Jon Rothstein that the
Cincinnati Bearcats and Louisville Cardinals, fierce rivals in the past in the Missouri Valley, Metro, Conference USA, American Athletic and Big East conferences, will meet again on the basketball floor. The games are to take place at "neutral sites." The Heritage Bank Center will host in 2025 and the 2026 game is set for Freedom Hall. Though neither is a home site for the Bearcats and Cardinals, they are former home courts in close proximity to the respective fan bases.
UC, Louisville rivalry renewed
The teams last played in 2022 in UC's final game in Maui at the Lahaina Civic Center Nov. 23. David DeJulius and Landers Nolley II combined for 47 points as Wes Miller's Bearcats beat the Cardinals 81-62. Louisville was then coached by Kenny Payne. The Cardinals are now guided by former Xavier Musketeer Pat Kelsey, the second XU grad to have led Louisville. Chris Mack coached the Cardinals before Payne. Mack is now at Charleston, the school Kelsey left to lead U of L. Louisville finished 27-8 last season and 18-2 in the ACC. UC was 19-16 (7-13 Big 12). The Cardinals made their first NCAA appearance since 2019 last season. UC hasn't been to the tournament since 2019 under Mick Cronin.
UC, Louisville players to watch
Louisville has fared well in the transfer portal and the game this season will feature a return to Cincinnati not only for Elder grad Kelsey but for Ryan Conwell who was a three-point specialist for Xavier last season. The Bearcats have added guards
Kerr Kriisa from Kentucky , Sencire Harris from West Virginia, forward Jalen Haynes from George Mason, center
Moustapha Thiam from UCF and wing Jalen Celestine from Baylor. UC has declined comment thus far. The games will be put on by a third party. Louisville has the all-time series lead 56-44. The teams last played in their home cities in 2014 in the AAC. Cronin's Bearcats won in Louisville, with then-coach Rick Pitino's Cardinals defeating UC at home 58-57 on Feb. 22 on a late shot by Russ Smith.
