Louisville's Season Ends in Loss to Michigan State

The Cardinals couldn't overcome the Spartans' physicality in the NCAA Tournament second round

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:29am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Louisville men's basketball team's season came to an end with a 77-69 loss to Michigan State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Cardinals struggled on the offensive end, with only a few players able to consistently score. Two key foul calls also proved pivotal in the outcome.

Why it matters

Louisville had high hopes for this season after a strong campaign, but ultimately fell short against a tough Michigan State squad. The loss raises questions about the team's offensive consistency and ability to compete with physical, defensive-minded opponents in the tournament.

The details

While Louisville's defense held its own against Michigan State's gritty style, the Cardinals' offense sputtered, with only a few players able to find success. Guard Ryan Conwell and forward Adrian Wooley led the way, but the team struggled to get consistent production from its other key contributors. Two key foul calls - one on Conwell early and a flagrant on Vangelis Zougris in the second half - also proved pivotal, allowing Michigan State to build a double-digit lead that Louisville couldn't overcome.

  • The game was played on March 22, 2026 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Conwell picked up his second foul just 4:17 into the game, forcing him to the bench.

The players

Ryan Conwell

A standout shooting guard for Louisville who was limited by foul trouble in the game.

Adrian Wooley

A key contributor for Louisville who helped keep the team in the game with his play.

Vangelis Zougris

A Louisville player who was called for a pivotal flagrant foul in the second half.

Pat Kelsey

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

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, known for his teams' physical, gritty style of play.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I felt like the team really, really started to come together and fought. I thought they fought tonight. We went neck and neck with the best rebounding team in the country. We were right there. I thought we fought. I thought we scrapped. Worked so much on defending the post. They go at you at the pipes.”

— Pat Kelsey, Head Coach

“I feel like we really got some good looks, and the shots just didn't fall down. But I think we executed our game plan really, really well. We got out in transition. We got our open threes, got downhill, tried to put pressure on the paint. They were trying to be physical with us and disrupt us, but especially in the first half, I thought we got some really good looks, and they just didn't fall.”

— Ryan Conwell, Guard

What’s next

The loss ends Louisville's season, as they will now look to the offseason to regroup and prepare for next year's campaign.

The takeaway

This game highlighted Louisville's struggles to consistently produce on the offensive end against physical, defensive-minded opponents like Michigan State. The team's inability to capitalize on open looks proved costly, and the pivotal foul calls further hindered their comeback efforts. The Cardinals will need to address these issues in the offseason to be better prepared for tournament-caliber competition next year.