Louisville basketball survived and remained undefeated after defeating Cincinnati 74-64. The Cardinals' gritty win showed once again just how dominant this backcourt is, as their two superstars led the way in Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell. The Xaviers transfer led all players in points with 25 points while shooting 53 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc. As for Brown, he added 22 points, five rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while also making 12 free throws.
The Cardinals faithful were screaming it all over the nation that this backcourt is going to be the best in the country. While Purdue and Houston fans were outraged by their comments during these early stages of the 2025-26 season, it is hard to argue with the Cardinals' fans. College basketball insider and CBS Sports analyst Jon Rothstein is one of many experts fans turn to, and last night, after Louisville's big win, he said the quiet part out loud, not just with Kelsey's backcourt but with Louisville's X-factor as well.
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Expert just said the quiet part out loud about Louisville basketball
Louisville's backcourt continues to shine as Brown and Conwell have been raising eyebrows all season. These two guards are splashing 3-pointers at an impressive rate while also attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line. However, someone who is flying severely under the radar is Sananda Fru. The Cardinals' starting center is really beginning to find his rhythm with Louisville, and last night Rothstein said what everyone is thinking about this backcourt and Fru.
"Mikel Brown + Ryan Conwell = the best backcourt in college basketball," Rothstein stated on X. "And Sananda Fru? The X-Factor to Louisville going deep in March."
Mikel Brown + Ryan Conwell = the best backcourt in college basketball.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 22, 2025
And Sananda Fru?
The X-Factor to Louisville going deep in March.
LOVE his consistent and continued progression. https://t.co/wnjBsJsVWm
Rothstein stating the Cardinals have the best backcourt is something Louisville fans love to see, as they agree. As for Fru being the X-factor in a Cardinals deep postseason run, it's 100 percent accurate, and with the 6-foot-10 center adding 11 points, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks last night, it proves he is going to be a massive piece in March for both ends.
Everyone knew coming into this season that Conwell and Brown were going to be dominant together. Conwell leads Louisville with 20.4 points per game while shooting above 45 percent from beyond the arc and the field. As for Brown, he is averaging 19.8 points, 6.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field.
Fru is becoming this team's glaring X-factor, and last night proved it. He has the chance to be a dominant two-way player who can make an impact on the glass with offensive and defensive rebounds, while also being a dominant rim protector. He is averaging 11.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting above 75 percent from the field.
With this team eyeing the Final Four, Fru must be the dominant two-way player the fans are beginning to see daily. He has to continue to be a dominant offensive rebounder and dunker, while also dominating the paint on the other end and protecting the rim.
This Cardinals backcourt, with Fru's recent surge, is beginning to show how special this season can be. Louisville has the fifth-highest odds to win the National Title, and if both can continue to flourish as the season progresses, Cardinals Nation might see Louisville cut some nets down this season.