DALLAS (AP) — In a remarkable turnaround, the No. 25 Louisville Cardinals showcased their basketball prowess by defeating SMU 98-73 on Tuesday night, marking their first game as a ranked team in four years. Reyne Smith led the charge with an impressive 30 points, setting a new school record with 10 3-pointers, while Chucky Hepburn contributed a career-high 16 assists, further solidifying the Cardinals' momentum under new coach Pat Kelsey.

Having endured two challenging seasons, Louisville (15-5, 8-1 ACC) is riding a nine-game winning streak, a testament to Kelsey's strategic recruitment of players with a history of success. “We were intentional about identifying guys that came from programs and have a background of winning,” Kelsey explained. This new roster, largely composed of transfers who have proven themselves at other schools, ignited a renewed sense of competitiveness and teamwork among the Cardinals.

Louisville's players showcased their offensive capabilities against the Mustangs (14-5, 5-3), with Smith leading the scoring alongside contributions from James Scott and J’Vonne Hadley, each adding 16 points. SMU struggled to keep pace, missing 13 of their first 15 shots and ultimately losing their three-game winning streak, as they were outmatched by Louisville’s strategic play and depth.

Hepburn, a senior transfer from Wisconsin, opened the scoring for the Cardinals with an early 3-pointer and orchestrated a 12-2 run that set the tone for the match. “Coach did a great job of recruiting winners,” Hepburn commented on their recent success, while noting the strong chemistry formed by the new players. The Cardinals' last loss was to No. 2 Duke and came just days before this decisive victory.

With their return to the AP Top 25, Louisville is looking ahead, hoping to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament following a five-season absence. Their upcoming schedule includes a matchup against Wake Forest next week, where they aim to maintain their title as one of the strongest teams in the ACC.

As the season progresses, the Cardinals continue to build upon their initial successes, combining effort, skill, and strategic plays to remain competitive. Pat Kelsey and his team are eager to see how far this resurgence in form can take them in the competitive landscape of college basketball.

For more details, visit the original coverage from AP News and their insights on Louisville's new coach and roster from AP News.