Basketball is a game of runs, but honestly, it’s hard to win when the other team starts with a 14-0 sledgehammer to your teeth. That’s basically what happened to the 20th-ranked Louisville Cardinals last night at the KFC Yum! Center. They fell 79-70 to a very sharp No. 16 Virginia squad.
If you were looking for a cardinals game score today that signaled a big momentum shift in the ACC, this wasn't quite it. Not in the way fans hoped, anyway.
What Really Happened With the Louisville Cardinals Game Score Today
The math is simple, but the "how" is messy. Louisville (12-5, 2-3) came into this game looking to cap off a three-game homestand with some real authority. Instead, they spent the first ten minutes looking like they’d forgotten the scouting report.
Virginia didn't just lead; they suffocated.
The Cavaliers jumped out to that 14-0 lead while Louisville went 0-of-7 from the field. Coach Pat Kelsey has talked a lot about "grit," and we saw some of it later, but you can’t spot a Top-20 team two touchdowns and expect to waltz back into it.
The final score of 79-70 actually makes the game look closer than it felt for most of the night.
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Why the Defense Collapsed
- The Paint Problem: Virginia outscored Louisville 40-24 in the paint. They used their size to basically bully the Cardinals whenever the ball got within ten feet of the rim.
- Discipline Issues: Kelsey mentioned post-game that the defensive identity just wasn't there. The team struggled with when to help and when to stay home on shooters.
- The Perimeter Gap: While Virginia was hitting 4-of-5 from deep early on, Louisville couldn't buy a bucket.
It’s frustrating because we’ve seen this team play better. But against a disciplined Tony Bennett-style system (even with the new faces in 2026), any lack of focus is fatal.
The St. Louis Cardinals Off-Season Shuffle
While the basketball team is grinding through the ACC, the St. Louis Cardinals are making some serious noise in the MLB off-season. If you’re checking the cardinals game score today and realize there aren't any baseball games until spring, you should still be looking at the transactions.
Just yesterday, January 13, 2026, the front office pulled the trigger on a massive move.
The Nolan Arenado Trade
They traded Nolan Arenado and some cash to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In return? They got right-handed pitcher Jack Martinez.
It’s the end of an era, kinda. Arenado has been the face of that infield for years, but Chaim Bloom is clearly steering this ship toward a different horizon.
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Bullpen Reinforcements
They also officially signed veteran reliever Ryne Stanek to a one-year deal today. Stanek is 34 now, but he’s still pumping 98 mph fastballs. He spent last year with the Mets, and while his 5.30 ERA was a bit of an eyesore, his underlying metrics—like being in the 96th percentile for velocity—suggest he’s got plenty left in the tank.
He’s a high-strikeout guy (58 Ks in 56 innings last year) who brings a lot of October experience.
Arizona Cardinals: The Season That Was
For the NFL fans, the Arizona Cardinals’ season ended on a bit of a sour note on January 4th. They finished 3-14 after a 37-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Jacoby Brissett did what he could, throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns, but the defense just couldn't stop Matthew Stafford. Stafford threw four touchdowns, two of them to Colby Parkinson, to seal the deal.
It was a rough year. Nine straight losses to end the season.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Louisville Cardinals right now, keep an eye on their defensive rotations in the next game against Richmond. They need to find a way to stop the interior bleeding.
For St. Louis baseball fans, watch the jersey number changes. Riley O'Brien is now 61, and Matthew Liberatore has switched to 32. It’s a small detail, but if you’re buying gear for spring training, you don’t want the old digits.
The best way to stay ahead is to watch the waiver wire this week. With the Arenado trade clearing space, expect another move for a veteran infielder before the end of January.
Next Steps for Followers:
- Check the updated ACC standings to see how far Louisville dropped after the Virginia loss.
- Monitor the MLB trade rumors for "Jack Martinez" to see how analysts rate the return for Arenado.
- Review the NFL draft order; with a 3-14 record, the Arizona Cardinals are looking at a very high pick.