The 101st meeting between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Louisville Cardinals arrives at the perfect time, with both teams off to unbeaten starts as they close out the third week of the season. Cincinnati sits at 4-0 and welcomes Louisville to Heritage Bank Center, while the sixth ranked Cardinals bring in one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
This rivalry has delivered some heated moments through the decades, and with both squads rolling into Friday unbeaten, the stage is set for another tense chapter.
Louisville’s High-Octane Offense Keeps Rolling
Louisville has stormed out of the gate behind head coach Pat Kelsey, scoring at a pace few teams can match. The Cardinals rank second nationally at 103 points per game, and even their “slow” outing still produced 96 points. Wins over South Carolina State, Jackson State, Kentucky, and Ohio have showcased how layered and relentless this offense can be.
They are one of nine ACC programs still perfect on the season, and the schedule ahead offers chances to stay hot with matchups against Eastern Michigan and NJIT before opening December against Arkansas. After last year’s early NCAA Tournament exit, Louisville looks like a team intent on erasing that memory quickly.
Cincinnati’s Balance and Defense Make Them Dangerous
The Bearcats have also opened at 4-0, joining ten other Big 12 teams without a loss. Their résumé includes wins over Western Carolina, Georgia State, Dayton, and Mount St. Mary’s. Cincinnati is scoring 78.5 points per game, but it is the defense that jumps off the page, holding opponents to 61 a night.
Baba Miller has led the way offensively, averaging 15.8 points while shooting nearly 67 percent from the floor. His ability to attack inside has complemented the Bearcats’ defensive identity well. With rivalry games ahead against NJIT, Eastern Michigan, and Xavier, Cincinnati knows this matchup is the first true indicator of where it stands.
What’s at Stake on Friday Night
Both programs feel they are built for March, and this matchup should provide an early glimpse at which one carries more substance behind its perfect start. Louisville believes its offense can travel anywhere. Cincinnati believes its defense can slow anyone down. And with conference season approaching, both teams want this win badly.
Louisville vs. Cincinnati: When and Where
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Heritage Bank Center, Cincinnati, OH
Louisville vs. Cincinnati: Where to Watch
Watch: ESPN2
Streaming: FuboTV
Louisville vs. Cincinnati: Betting Odds
Spread: Louisville Cardinals -8.5, Cincinnati Bearcats +8.5
Moneyline: Louisville -450, Cincinnati +380
Total: 163.5
Louisville vs. Cincinnati: Series History
Last Meeting:
Cincinnati beat Louisville 81-62 on November 23, 2022.
All-Time Series:
Cincinnati leads 56-44.
Louisville vs. Cincinnati: Projected Starting Lineups
Louisville Cardinals
Mikel Brown Jr. (#00) – 19.2 ppg
Ryan Conwell (#3) – 19.2 ppg
Isaac McKneely (#10) – 12.2 ppg
Sananda Fru (#13) – 11.2 ppg
J’Vonne Hadley (#1) – 11 ppg
Louisville has six double digit scorers, including Khani Rooths, who has made two starts and is contributing 10 points per game.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Baba Miller (#18) – 15.8 ppg, 10.5 rpg
Day Day Thomas (#1) – 14 ppg
Moustapha Thiam (#52) – 11.5 ppg
Shon Abaev (#10) – 11.3 ppg
Kerr Kriisa (#11) – 6.5 ppg
Cincinnati knows this is the caliber of opponent it must be ready for once Big 12 competition begins, with national contenders like Houston and Arizona looming.
Louisville believes it belongs in that tier too. A road win over an unbeaten rival would send that message loudly.
Enjoy the game!