LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Reyne Smith led the way with 19 points and James Scott registered a double-double, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds, as Louisville secured an 81-67 victory over Virginia. This win marks Louisville’s eighth consecutive triumph and completes the season sweep against the Cavaliers. It is noteworthy as it represents the first time the Cardinals have swept Virginia since they joined the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2014 and their first home win over the Cavaliers since February 9, 2020.

Louisville quickly established dominance in the game, never falling behind after Smith was fouled and successfully made three free throws just 22 seconds into the matchup. Scott’s impactful dunk with 1:08 remaining in the first half was instrumental in sending the Cardinals into halftime with a strong 39-28 lead. The team extended its margin significantly, reaching a 21-point lead at 77-56 with just over three minutes left in the game.

Smith showcased his shooting prowess by converting 4 of 11 from beyond the three-point line and going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, leading his team offensively. Additionally, Terrence Edwards Jr. added 16 points, while J’Vonne Hadley contributed 13 to the score.

On the other side, Virginia struggled, with Saunders scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while connecting on 3 of 6 three-point attempts. Isaac McKneely chipped in with 10 points. The Cavaliers have now suffered five consecutive losses, which began with a defeat against Louisville in Charlottesville, where they fell 70-50.

Under new head coach Pat Kelsey, Louisville has seen four of their five losses come against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25, including No. 12 Tennessee, No. 23 Mississippi, No. 9 Duke, and No. 5 Kentucky. However, the Cardinals’ upcoming schedule looks favorable as none of their remaining 12 games feature ranked opponents.

Looking ahead, Louisville is set to face SMU on Tuesday, while Virginia will return home to take on Boston College.