Louisville HC Pat Kelsey Previews ACC Tournament

The Cardinals received the No. 6 seed for the ACC Tournament, and will face either SMU or Syracuse to get their run started.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Following a long and winding regular season, the Louisville men's basketball program is set to begin their postseason run in the ACC Tournament. Head coach Pat Kelsey discussed the team's regular season finale win over No. 22 Miami, as well as their potential matchups against SMU or Syracuse in the opening round.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are looking to make a deep run in the ACC Tournament after finishing the regular season with a 20-11 record and earning the No. 6 seed. A strong performance in the conference tournament could boost their chances of securing an NCAA Tournament bid.

The details

Louisville went 2-1 against their two potential ACC Tournament opponents during the regular season, splitting two games with SMU and defeating Syracuse. Kelsey emphasized the need for his team to bring their "A-game" in order to advance, noting the intensity and adrenaline of tournament play.

  • The Cardinals will face either SMU or Syracuse in the opening round of the ACC Tournament on Wednesday, March 12 at 2:30 p.m. EST.
  • Louisville defeated No. 22 Miami 92-89 in their regular season finale on Saturday, March 8.

The players

Pat Kelsey

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

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What they’re saying

“I was very pleased with Saturday's win. It was senior night for them. They were playing very well, and we faced some adversity late in the game. We showed a lot of resolve, a lot of toughness to figure out a way to gut out a really good win. It was a tough win, in a tough environment against a well coached, really good team.”

— Pat Kelsey, Head Coach (si.com)

“It's March Madness. It's not the actual tournament, but it's March. It's tournament play. It's all adrenaline. That's what's fun. You get a late game, you got to play an early day the next day, figure it out, man. That juice that you have, and that adrenaline, just carries you through.”

— Pat Kelsey, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.