Louisville Bounces Back with 88-74 Win Over SMU

Head coach Pat Kelsey and players Khani Rooths and Mikel Brown Jr. discuss the team's response after a tough loss.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The Louisville men's basketball team was able to bounce back from a recent loss with an 88-74 home victory over SMU on Saturday. Head coach Pat Kelsey, forward Khani Rooths, and point guard Mikel Brown Jr. discussed the team's performance, including Rooths' return from illness and Brown's strong finish to the game.

Why it matters

This win helps Louisville recover from a previous defeat and maintain momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. The team's ability to respond positively after a setback demonstrates their resilience and commitment to improvement.

The details

Louisville struggled early, falling behind SMU, but the team made adjustments and rallied in the second half to secure the victory. Kelsey praised the bench players for providing a big boost, singling out Rooths, Zou, and Brown for their energy and impact. The Cardinals were able to slow down SMU's top scorers in the second half through improved defense.

  • The game was played on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Pat Kelsey

The head coach of the Louisville men's basketball team.

Khani Rooths

A sophomore forward for the Louisville Cardinals who returned from illness to provide energy and toughness off the bench.

Mikel Brown Jr.

A freshman point guard for the Louisville Cardinals who stepped up in the closing minutes to lead the team to victory.

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What they’re saying

“I am proud of our guys and the way they responded to what happened the other night down in Durham. We responded exactly how I thought they would. They didn't blink. They didn't panic – nothing. We went back to work and dusted ourselves off, got up, attacked practice and learned the details of the scouting report. We stuck together and didn't blink and played their butts off today.”

— Pat Kelsey, Head Coach (si.com)

“I'm just glad to be back. I feel really good. You see out there I'm playing hard and I'm being me and I'm doing extra. I'm just doing whatever I can do to help the team.”

— Khani Rooths, Forward (si.com)

“We missed him. We missed him. Just the energy that he brings off the bench. That fire, the intensity, the grit – and just the will to guard and play hard. We definitely missed him on the bench and it feels so great to have him back.”

— Mikel Brown Jr., Point Guard (si.com)

What’s next

The Cardinals will look to build on this win as they continue their conference schedule, with their next game coming against a tough opponent on the road.

The takeaway

Louisville's ability to bounce back from a tough loss and rally as a team demonstrates their resilience and commitment to improvement. The contributions from the bench, particularly Rooths' energy, were crucial in securing this important victory.