Pat Kelsey Comments on Louisville's Win at Kansas

Louisville Overcomes Halftime Deficit to Win Exhibition

Louisville defeated Kansas 89-83 in an exhibition game at Phog Allen Fieldhouse, overcoming a halftime deficit to secure the victory. The Cardinals trailed 37-36 at the break before building a double-digit lead that they maintained through the end of the contest. The win occurred on Oct. 21, 2026, inside the historic venue in Lawrence, Kansas. Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey addressed the media following the game, discussing the team's performance and the intensity of the environment.

Kelsey Describes 'Big-Time' Atmosphere

Kelsey stated that the exhibition "did not feel like an exhibition," characterizing the atmosphere as "big-time" despite the non-conference status of the matchup between the two programs. He highlighted the hostile reception his players received from the home crowd, specifically noting that Kansas students were screaming at player Flory and booing him every time he touched the ball. Kelsey described the competitive character of his team in response to the intimidation, stating they "didn’t blink" during the challenging environment. Louisville overcame an early 10-3 deficit in the game. Kelsey explained that his players managed the pressure by focusing on "one possession at a time" rather than attempting individual plays.

Defensive Focus Limits Kansas Shooting

Louisville’s defensive effort was a key factor in the result. The Cardinals held Kansas to 27% shooting from three-point range in the second half. For the game, Louisville shot 46% from deep. Kelsey attributed this success to a major team focus on defense and rebounding. Bob Valvano, a Louisville radio broadcaster who participated in the postgame Q&A with Kelsey, compared the team's performance to a pitcher trusting their own abilities. Valvano noted that the players were initially anxious and took rushed shots but eventually settled down as the game progressed. Postgame remarks from Kelsey and highlights from the exhibition are available through media channels.