The University of Louisville men’s basketball program, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball program, announced on Thursday a two-year, home-and-home series starting at the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Return Game Scheduled for 2025
The second game of the series will take place in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the Food City Center on December 16, 2025.
Historical Context
Louisville holds a 12-8 all-time record against the Volunteers, with the teams last meeting in 2018. The Cardinals have dominated recent matchups, winning 12 of the last 14 games. Louisville’s record in these contests is balanced: 5-5 at home, 5-1 on the road, and 2-2 at neutral sites. Notably, at least one team has been ranked in the top 15 in each of the past five matchups.
Overall Performance Against SEC Teams
The Cardinals have an 88-78 all-time record against current Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams.
Connection Through Wade Houston
A unique connection between the two programs is Wade Houston, a “Cardinal Forever.” Houston was one of the first three black men’s basketball players at Louisville and later served as an assistant coach under Denny Crum from 1976-1989. He then made history as the first black head men’s basketball coach in the SEC when he led Tennessee from 1989-1994.
This upcoming series promises to be an exciting addition to both teams’ schedules, reviving a historic rivalry with competitive and high-stakes matchups.
