Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals did not do the nerves of Cardinals fans any favors in their first matchup of the 2026 ACC tournament. Louisville overcomes shooting struggles to eliminate the SMU Mustangs from the tournament (and potentially the NCAA tournament) 62-58. The game was back-and-forth all afternoon, with 16 lead changes. Louisville was able to stare adversity in the face and overcome these issues to pull off the victory.
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This win is a sigh of relief not only for Cards fans, but for Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals as well, as they are continuing to beef up their resume and hopefully solidify at least a “6” seed in the NCAA tournament. The taste of winning was very sweet last season when the Cardinals navigated their way to the ACC Championship. All of Card Nation is hoping that Louisville can overcome its lower seed and put the Cardinals right back in the championship game once again.
Here are four observations from Louisville clutch victory against the SMU Mustangs.
4. Vangelis Zougris finding a rhythm in his new role
Although Vangelis Zougris has a tendency to play similarly to a bull in a china shop at times, he brings a new element to the starting lineup that the other two bigs simply cannot: athleticism. We never have to worry about Zougris not bringing the intensity or the focus when he steps onto the floor, a welcome sight for most Cards fans. His 7 points and 4 rebounds in Louisville’s win over SMU provided key production from a position that has fallen short in recent weeks.
It was quite the shock when Zougris was given the nod to be the starter moving forward, especially after the limited and at times chaotic minutes he provided earlier in the season. However, Pat Kelsey knew what the team needed as they headed into March: toughness on the interior. Zougris’s toughness and strength are great complements to the outside shooting this roster possesses. This switch may be a move Cards can look back on and consider a stroke of genius on Kelsey’s part.
3. Pat Kelsey’s substitution patterns appear to be shifting
Pat Kelsey’s substitution patterns have seemed to be morphing from earlier in the regular season. Kelsey still goes somewhat deep into his bench (playing 9 players in this game). However, the bulk of the minutes have rightfully gone to the highest and most reliable producers. It’s now the time of the season where every second matters, and having the most productive and trustworthy players on the floor is the key to success.
Just look at the minutes distribution from the game. Ryan Conwell - 33 minutes (which could have been more if not for foul trouble in 1st half), J’Vonne Hadley - 34 minutes, Adrian Wooley - 36 minutes, and lastly Isaac McKneely - 39 minutes. No other player had above 20 minutes, with Zougris being the next highest at 18 minutes. Kelsey is showing he is devoted to putting the best performers on the floor for most of the game and letting their play decide Louisville’s fate.
2. Louisville found a way to win even through shooting woes
If one had asked a Cards fan whether Louisville would have any chance of winning a game in which Louisville scored only 62 points, the answer most certainly would have been a defiant no. Yet, here we are, a 62-58 victory with a performance that yielded only 40% shooting from the field and 23% from behind the arc. These types of numbers have not provided for any wins this season for the Cardinals, so to pull out this victory showed that Pat Kelsey’s squad can grind out ugly wins if they have to.
The 3-point shooting will most definitely have to improve after today’s poor results. However, this opportunity gave the Cardinals experience with playing in the arena and getting a feel for their typical shooting locations across the floor. With tougher opponents on the horizon, getting this win should provide Louisville with a stroke of confidence and comfort, allowing it to settle into future games earlier and get the outside shot, hitting at a high success rate.
1. Ryan Conwell overcomes shooting struggles to find clutch gene
Louisville star Ryan Conwell had an absolutely rough day shooting the ball. Then the last 2 minutes of the game happened. Conwell came out of a timeout and hit a timely 3-pointer when Louisville needed it most to put them ahead. He then provided another clutch shot at the rim to give Louisville a two-possession lead. His leadership, knowledge, and undeniable skill gave him everything he needed to create a memorable Louisville postseason moment.
Hopefully, this moment will be one Conwell can build on, leading into the Miami game in the next round of the tournament. He is a player who can ignite in the blink of an eye. His ability to completely take over the offense, as he did today, is just one of the reasons he is an incredibly special player. Louisville will need plenty more of this leadership and talent if it wants to extend its stay in Charlotte this week.