Crawford Fuels Louisville’s 76-65 Triumph Over Notre Dame

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 5, 2026 10:52 AM ET

In a closely contested matchup on Wednesday, Louisville secured a hard-fought 76-65 victory against Notre Dame. The game showcased the Cardinals’ resilience and effort, despite a lackluster shooting performance.

Crawford Fuels Louisville’s 76-65 Triumph Over Notre Dame

Louisville struggled from beyond the arc, managing only 22% shooting. Their performance oscillated between moments of brilliance and signs of frustration. However, one player stood out in this match: Kasean Pryor.

Kasean Pryor’s Impact

Pryor had missed the previous three games but rejoined the lineup at a crucial moment. He contributed ten points and five rebounds in just fifteen minutes. His presence was tangible, sparking energy in a team that had been sluggish. Pryor’s critical basket ended a five-minute scoring drought and initiated a 12-0 run that eased tensions during the second half.

Kasean Pryor: 10 points, 5 rebounds
Louisville’s shooting: 22% from three-point range

Coach Pat Kelsey praised Pryor for his work ethic and attitude in practice, noting that he had pushed himself to return stronger despite the challenges. The Cardinals particularly needed his contributions as teammate J’Vonne Hadley was limited to only three minutes of play due to an injury sustained in practice.

Supporting Cast

Alongside Pryor, sophomore Khani Rooths made a strong return, earning a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. His relentless effort on the glass helped Louisville dominate rebounds, outpacing Notre Dame by 11. This physicality translated into scoring, with Louisville outscoring Notre Dame 40-22 in the paint.

Notre Dame’s Performance

Despite the loss, Notre Dame had bright spots, particularly from Cole Certa. Certa, a guard who has long been a Louisville fan, led his team with 18 points, including five 3-pointers. The Irish also hit 11 shots from beyond the arc, achieving a 40% shooting rate but failed to find the depth to challenge Louisville effectively.

Cole Certa: 18 points, 5 three-pointers
Louisville’s bench scoring: 33-14 advantage

Isaac McKneely led Louisville in overall scoring with 13 points, complemented by teammates Ryan Conwell and Sananda Fru, who each added 12 points. The victory brings Louisville’s record to 16-6 overall and 6-4 in the ACC.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Louisville aims to extend their winning streak to three games when they face Wake Forest this Saturday. Despite the unpolished nature of the victory, the Cardinals are building momentum as February approaches.