So, you're looking for the score. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you’re asking "what's the score of the Cardinals," you’re likely tracking the Louisville Cardinals as they head into a gritty ACC road battle against the Pittsburgh Panthers.
College hoops in January is basically a survival sport.
As of right now, the game is set for a 5:00 PM ET tip-off at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh. If you're checking the score before that window, the board is still all zeros. If it’s mid-game, you’re looking at a contest where Louisville (12-5) is trying to shake off a tough 79-70 loss to Virginia earlier this week. They've been a bit of a roller coaster lately—beating Boston College but stumbling against Duke and Stanford.
Tracking the Louisville Cardinals Live Score
Honestly, the "Petersen Events Center" is a house of horrors for road teams. Pittsburgh has a way of making every possession feel like a wrestling match. For those watching live, the game is airing on ESPN2.
✨ Don't miss: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
If you can't get to a TV, the live score is fluctuating by the second. Louisville has been leaning heavily on their offensive output, averaging about 87 points per game this season, but their defense has been... let's just say "generous" at times. Pitt usually tries to slow things down.
Key Stats to Watch During the Game
- Field Goal Percentage: Louisville usually hovers around 49%. If they’re shooting under 40% today, they're in trouble.
- Turnovers: The Cardinals have been averaging about 11 a game. In a loud road environment, that number tends to creep up.
- Bench Points: Keep an eye on the depth. With the ACC schedule tightening up, foul trouble usually decides these January games.
Wait, Are You Looking for the Arizona Cardinals?
If you were hoping to see a score for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, I’ve got some bad news for you. Their season is officially over.
The Arizona Cardinals finished a brutal 2025-2026 campaign with a 3-14 record. They didn't make the playoffs—Seattle, San Francisco, and the Rams all cleared them in the NFC West. In fact, while you're searching for a score today, the teams that actually play in the NFL Divisional Round are the Bills, Broncos, 49ers, and Seahawks.
🔗 Read more: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
Arizona is currently looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the No. 3 overall pick. The big "score" for them isn't on a scoreboard right now; it’s in the scouting reports for potential new head coaches to replace Jonathan Gannon.
What's the Score of the Cardinals in Other Sports?
The name "Cardinals" is everywhere in sports, so depending on who you root for, the "score" might be happening on a court, a diamond (eventually), or even a high school gym.
- St. Louis Cardinals (MLB): No score here. We are deep in the MLB offseason. The St. Louis Cardinals don't play their 2026 season opener until March 26 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
- Incarnate Word Cardinals: Their women's basketball team just pulled off a solid 70-63 win against East Texas A&M this past Thursday.
- High School Ball: If you're in Ohio, the Canfield Cardinals just beat Louisville (the high school, not the college) 59-39 on Friday night.
Why the Score Matters Right Now
For Louisville fans, this Pittsburgh game is a "quadrant 1" type of opportunity. The ACC is top-heavy this year with Duke looking like a juggernaut. Every win matters for tournament seeding. If the Cardinals drop this one, they’re looking at a three-game losing streak that could tank their Top 25 aspirations.
💡 You might also like: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
Check the ESPN App or Fox Sports for the real-time box score if the clock is running.
To stay on top of the action, you should keep an eye on the free-throw disparity in the second half. Louisville has a habit of getting to the line, but if the refs are letting them play physical in Pittsburgh, that advantage disappears. Set a reminder for the 5:00 PM ET tip-off so you don't miss the final buzzer.