Louisville basketball traveled to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in a highly anticipated rematch from last year's 77-55 loss. However, the Cards were without key player Mikel Brown Jr., and the result was unfortunately very similar as the Cards lost 83-62. Louisville lost this game handily, but this setback can serve as motivation for the team to regroup, refocus, and strive for improvement.
The Cards struggled mightily against the Vols' physicality and length. Louisville was dominated from start to finish in Tuesday's loss, and now they have to bounce back and get ready for Montana on Saturday and ACC games beginning on December 30. The Tennessee loss was a frustrating one for everyone, the fans, players, and the coaches, and that all became evident when a social media post went viral yesterday of Kelsey cursing out a Tennessee player Tuesday night.
Pat Kelsey caught cursing out Bishop Boswell in loss
Kelsey was caught by ESPN cameras yelling at Bishop Boswell at the beginning of the second half, and it looks like he was telling the Volunteers guard to "shut the F*** up".
Some real classy words from Pat Kelsey to Bishop Boswell last night. pic.twitter.com/vaYiBj2lrR
— Rob Harvey (@RobMHarvey) December 17, 2025
It looks like Boswell clearly irritated Kelsey with some words of his own first, and in the heat of the moment, Kelsey got caught up in it and probably said some words he wishes he could take back. Louisville fans have all the love and support for their head coach, but as the coach for a University like Louisville, he has to respect the players.
Cardinals fans were clearly upset with Tennessee fans when Kobe Rodgers went down injured, and Vols fans erupted with boos when he got off the floor. There was a lot of emotion in the building that night, and anyone who has followed Kelsey knows this clip doesn’t define him as a coach or a person.
This Louisville-Tennessee matchup is creating a bit of a rivalry, as the two fanbases clearly don’t like one another. Kelsey and the Cards are back in action Saturday afternoon against Montana.
For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's 2025-26 season and recruiting, stay tuned.