The Louisville Cardinals wrapped up preseason play Wednesday with a 71-39 victory over the Mercyhurst Lakers, setting a new school record for fewest points allowed in an exhibition game (according to Kelly Dickey). Last week, Louisville defeated Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse 89-83.

Louisville’s performance was far from a polished offensive showing, but that was by design. Head coach Pat Kelsey kept things relatively simple, and the Cardinals struggled to find a rhythm in the first half. Louisville committed 10 turnovers and managed just three field goals over the final 10 minutes of the half, taking a 30-21 lead into the break.

The Cardinals showed discipline in getting the ball into the paint rather than settling for jumpers. The team’s first 14 points came in the paint, and Louisville went into halftime without a made 3-pointer.

The second half brought a different level of energy. Louisville opened with a 15-3 run, with Flory Bidunga accounting for 8 of those points. The surge gave the Cardinals some breathing room, and they continued to pull away before securing the 32-point victory.

A Different Offensive Emphasis

Over the offseason, Kelsey made it clear that Louisville’s offensive approach could look different this season. The Cardinals have typically embraced the 3-point shot under Kelsey, but the addition of frontcourt talent such as Bidunga and Obinna Ekezie Jr. gives Louisville more options to attack inside.

Wednesday’s game offered a glimpse of that adjustment. Louisville outscored Mercyhurst 56-14 in the paint, leaning on its size and interior scoring rather than perimeter shooting. Had the game counted toward the record books, the 56 paint points would have been the most Louisville scored in that category under Kelsey.

The Cardinals finished just 2-for-13 from beyond the arc, a mark that would have set a new low for 3-pointers made in a game under Kelsey. That does not mean Louisville will abandon the outside shot. Kelsey will continue to give his players the green light, but this roster has the personnel to create offense in other ways when the perimeter shots are not falling. Using a game like tonight to showcase that change is the reason exhibitions are so valuable. They came in as the more talented team and imposed their will on their opponent.

Notable Cards:

Flory Bidunga— Bidunga had a quiet showing against Kansas, finishing with just five points. Wednesday was a different story. The big man recorded 19 points and nine rebounds, establishing himself as Louisville’s primary offensive option when the team needed a spark. The Cardinals wasted little time getting him involved after halftime, as Bidunga threw down consecutive dunks to help fuel the early second-half run. When Louisville struggled to generate offense, his ability to score around the rim provided a clear alternative.

Isaac Ellis— The freshman may not have stuffed the stat sheet, but he showed why Kelsey prioritized recruiting him. Ellis finished with five points, including Louisville’s first 3-pointer of the night and drew an offensive foul on the defensive end. His impact went beyond the box score. Ellis played with energy, hustle and a willingness to make winning plays, qualities that can help a young player earn a larger role as the season progresses.

Final Thoughts:

Louisville did not need an offensive explosion to handle Mercyhurst. The Cardinals made just two 3-pointers, struggled to find a rhythm, yet they still came away with a comfortable win. There is no reason for Kelsey to unveil his bag of tricks in an exhibition, and the performance should not be taken as a preview of offensive struggles to come. Still, the Cardinals showed they have another way to generate offense when the shots are not falling. Was there a lot to celebrate from the performance? Not necessarily. But Louisville got the job done, and its ability to lean on the frontcourt could become an important part of its identity this season.

Next, Louisville opens the regular season versus Chattanooga.