Virginia Cavaliers Defeat Louisville Cardinals 79-70
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · KFC Yum! Center
Virginia Cavaliers 79, Louisville Cardinals 70, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Virginia Cavaliers vs Louisville Cardinals?
Virginia Cavaliers beat Louisville Cardinals 79-70 at KFC Yum! Center on January 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Virginia Cavaliers vs Louisville Cardinals?
Louisville Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Virginia Cavaliers secured a 79-70 victory over the Louisville Cardinals at the KFC Yum! Center. This win extends Virginia's impressive record to 16-2, while Louisville falls to 12-6. The Cavaliers have been in strong form recently, boasting a 9-1 record over their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. They have averaged 84.2 points per game while allowing only 66.5 during this stretch. In contrast, Louisville has a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, with an average of 84.0 points scored and 72.0 points allowed.
The game was marked by a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Cavaliers' ability to maintain their lead in the second half. Key contributions came from players like Isaac McKneely and Johann Grunloh, who both made crucial free throws in the closing minutes, solidifying Virginia's advantage. The Cavaliers' strong performance at home has been a significant factor in their success this season, as they have a home record of 8-0 and an away record of 2-1. Conversely, Louisville has struggled on the road with a record of 1-3.
Historically, Virginia has had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning both encounters against Louisville in the 2025 season, with scores of 81-67 and 70-50. This trend continued in their latest matchup, as they effectively executed their game plan to come out on top. The betting market reflected this competitive matchup, with DraftKings setting the spread at LOU -4.5 and the total at 154.5, indicating a closely matched contest.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have been dealing with the usual challenges of maintaining squad fitness throughout the season. The conditions for the game were typical for a mid-January evening in Louisville, with a lively atmosphere that often accompanies home games for the Cardinals.
Viewers should have noted the tactical adjustments made by both coaches, particularly in the second half, where Virginia's defense tightened and limited Louisville's scoring opportunities. The Cavaliers' ability to execute under pressure was evident, particularly in the final minutes, where they capitalized on free throw opportunities to extend their lead. Overall, this game showcased the Cavaliers' resilience and strategic prowess, further establishing their position as a formidable contender in the NCAAB landscape.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LOU -4.5 | 154.5 o -115 / u -105 | Virginia Cavaliers +180 · Louisville Cardinals -218 |
Leaders
- PointsIsaac McKneely23Louisville Cardinals
- AssistsAdrian Wooley4Louisville Cardinals
- ReboundsRyan Conwell7Louisville Cardinals
- PointsMalik Thomas19Virginia Cavaliers
- AssistsChance Mallory4Virginia Cavaliers
- ReboundsDallin Hall12Virginia Cavaliers
Recent form
Louisville Cardinals
Last 10: 6-4Streak W184 scored · 72 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W75-62vs Boston College EaglesJan 10
- L73-84vs Duke Blue DevilsJan 7
- L76-80at Stanford CardinalJan 3
- W90-70at California Golden BearsDec 31
- W94-54vs Montana GrizzliesDec 20
- L62-83at Tennessee VolunteersDec 17
- W99-73vs Memphis TigersDec 13
- W87-78vs Indiana HoosiersDec 6
- L80-89at Arkansas RazorbacksDec 4
- W104-47vs NJIT HighlandersNov 27
Virginia Cavaliers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W384.2 scored · 66.5 allowed per game2-1 away
- W70-55vs Stanford CardinalJan 10
- W84-60vs California Golden BearsJan 8
- W76-61at NC State WolfpackJan 3
- L85-95at Virginia Tech HokiesDec 31
- W95-51vs American University EaglesDec 22
- W80-72vs Maryland TerrapinsDec 20
- W84-60vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksDec 10
- W86-73vs Dayton FlyersDec 6
- W88-69at Texas LonghornsDec 4
- W94-69vs Queens University RoyalsNov 28
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Virginia Cavaliers | Louisville Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-53 | 24-67 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 36 |
| Three-pointers | 14-34 | 10-38 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 26 |
| Free throws | 23-29 | 12-18 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 19 |
| Assists | 15 | 13 |
| Steals | 4 | 8 |
| Blocks | 9 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 12 | 26 |
| Fouls | 22 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 97 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-38Isaac McKneely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-41Aly Khalifa makes 24-foot three point jumper (J'Vonne Hadley assists)
- 2nd Half49-41Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-41Johann Grunloh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-41Johann Grunloh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-41Chance Mallory makes layup
- 2nd Half54-41Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-41Thijs De Ridder makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half56-43Aly Khalifa makes 13-foot jumper (Ryan Conwell assists)
- 2nd Half56-44Aly Khalifa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-47Isaac McKneely makes 26-foot three point jumper (Adrian Wooley assists)
- 2nd Half57-47Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-47Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-49J'Vonne Hadley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-49Dallin Hall makes 26-foot three point jumper (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half61-51J'Vonne Hadley makes layup
- 2nd Half61-52J'Vonne Hadley makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-52Malik Thomas makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half65-52Johann Grunloh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-53Adrian Wooley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-54Adrian Wooley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-57Isaac McKneely makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ryan Conwell assists)
- 2nd Half65-58J'Vonne Hadley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-59J'Vonne Hadley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-59Dallin Hall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-59Dallin Hall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-59Johann Grunloh makes layup (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half69-61Isaac McKneely makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-61Sam Lewis makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half71-64Ryan Conwell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Adrian Wooley assists)
- 2nd Half74-64Johann Grunloh makes 25-foot three point jumper (Thijs De Ridder assists)
- 2nd Half74-66Sananda Fru makes 2-foot dunk (Adrian Wooley assists)
- 2nd Half74-67Isaac McKneely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-68Isaac McKneely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-68Johann Grunloh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-68Johann Grunloh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-70Sananda Fru makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half77-70Sam Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-70Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-70Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Louisville Cardinals, below favours Virginia Cavaliers.
Venue
- KFC Yum! CenterLouisville, KY
- Attendance14697
- OfficialsBert Smith, Matt Potter, Marques Pettigrew
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond