Louisville Cardinals Stun No. 14 Indiana With Dominant Battle 4 Atlantis Victory

Louisville made an emphatic statement in its Battle 4 Atlantis tournament opener, stunning 14th-ranked Indiana with an 89-61 blowout win on November 27. The victory not only showcased the Cardinals' resurgence but also sent a strong message about their potential for the season.

From the opening tip-off, Louisville took control of the game, establishing a 20-point halftime lead. Their defensive pressure rattled the Hoosiers, forcing turnovers and disrupting their offensive rhythm. Indiana struggled to find its shot, hitting just 31% from the field in the first half and failing to recover as Louisville continued its dominance in the second period.

Senior guard Chucky Hepburn was instrumental in the victory, delivering one of the best performances of his career. Hepburn recorded 16 points, 10 assists, and seven steals, becoming a catalyst on both ends of the floor. His ability to distribute the ball effectively and create defensive pressure set the tone for the Cardinals’ strong showing.

Louisville’s outside shooting proved to be another key factor in the win, as the team shot an impressive 41.2% from three-point range. Meanwhile, Indiana struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on only 24% of their attempts.

This victory marked a significant milestone for the Cardinals, as it was their first win over a ranked opponent since January 2021 and their first ranked road victory since January 2020. The performance also matched their total win count from the previous season, a testament to the program’s turnaround under head coach Pat Kelsey.

With this momentum-building win, Louisville advances to the next round of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, where they will face another top-tier opponent. The Cardinals will look to build upon their dominant display and establish themselves as a serious contender heading into conference play.