Memphis, Tenn. – On Sunday night the Tigers turned a sluggish start into a dominant finish, defeating No. 10 Louisville 98‑78 at the FedExForum. After trailing by as many as 18 points in the first half, Memphis out‑scored the Cardinals by 31 points after the break, securing a victory that ranks among the largest comebacks by an unranked team against an AP Top 10 opponent in the past 15 years.
First half: Louisville’s early firepower
The Cardinals came out firing, shooting an efficient 56 % from the field in the opening 20 minutes. Junior guard Jackson Shelstad and sophomore forward Alvaro Folgueiras each contributed 14 points before halftime, helping Louisville build a comfortable lead. Louisville’s defense limited Memphis to just 20 of 27 field‑goal attempts, and the Tigers entered the locker room down by double digits.
Second‑half surge
Memphis emerged from the locker room with renewed energy. The Tigers knocked down seven three‑pointers and made 20 of 27 shots overall in the second half. Senior guard Jayden Reid led the charge with a double‑double, finishing with 24 points and 10 assists. The Tigers seized an eight‑point lead midway through the half and stretched it to a 19‑point advantage in the final three minutes.
Louisville struggled to find rhythm after the break, going 0‑for‑15 from three‑point range and shooting just 32 % from the field. The Cardinals could not answer Memphis’ offensive burst, and the Tigers’ defense forced turnovers that led to easy transition baskets.
Key performances
Reid’s 24 points and 10 assists earned him player‑of‑the‑game honors. Shelstad added 16 points for Louisville, while teammate Seth Trimble also contributed 16. The Tigers’ balanced attack, highlighted by strong perimeter shooting and aggressive defense, proved decisive.
Implications
The win improves Memphis’ record and demonstrates the team’s resilience under pressure. For Louisville, the loss drops the Cardinals to 2‑1 on the season. The Cardinals will host Stetson on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m., looking to rebound from the setback.
Overall, the game showcased the excitement of college basketball in Memphis, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a passionate sports market and providing fans with a memorable comeback victory.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
