Knoxville, Tennessee, December 17, 2025
In a commanding performance, the No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers beat the No. 11 Louisville Cardinals 83-62, breaking a three-game losing streak. Ja’Kobi Gillespie was the standout performer for Tennessee with 23 points. The Volunteers also dominated defensively, limiting Louisville to their lowest score of the season and capitalizing on turnovers. The absence of Louisville’s star point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was a significant factor in their struggle. This game marks Tennessee’s first win at home in over three weeks.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Tennessee Volunteers Defeat Louisville Cardinals 83-62
In an intense matchup on December 16, 2025, the No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers triumphed over the No. 11 Louisville Cardinals with a final score of 83-62 at the Food City Center in Knoxville. This victory not only halted Tennessee’s three-game losing streak but also marked their first home game in 26 days. The Volunteers’ performance showcased their ability to rebound effectively, as they adapted and took full advantage of their circumstances.
Key Performances
The Volunteers saw an outstanding performance from senior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who led the team with 23 points, including an impressive 20 points in the second half. He also contributed five assists and three rebounds. Freshman forward Nate Ament and sophomore guard Jaylen Carey supported the team with 13 points and a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, respectively, off the bench. The bench players had a significant impact, outscoring their Louisville counterparts 34-3.
On the other hand, Louisville’s efforts were led by senior guard Ryan Conwell, who scored 22 points, while sophomore guard Adrian Wooley stepped up in the absence of injured Mikel Brown Jr., adding a season-high 19 points. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they encountered difficulties from beyond the arc, shooting a mere 20.6% from three-point range.
Impact of Mikel Brown Jr.’s Absence
The absence of Louisville’s star freshman point guard, Mikel Brown Jr., due to a lower back injury, was acutely felt during the game. Brown averages 16.6 points and 5.1 assists per game, making his presence vital to the team’s offensive dynamics. Without him, the Cardinals struggled with ball-handling and committed 16 turnovers, illustrating how crucial he is to their performance.
Game Highlights
Tennessee’s defense played a pivotal role in securing their victory, limiting Louisville to a season-low 62 points. The Volunteers shot an impressive 54.7% from the field, marking their best shooting performance of the season. Furthermore, Tennessee dominated in the paint, scoring 42 points compared to Louisville’s 30 and capitalizing on turnovers by netting 21 points off Louisville’s 16 turnovers.
Looking Ahead
This significant win propels Tennessee to an 8-3 record this season, while Louisville’s record stands at 9-2. Tennessee will seek to maintain this momentum in their upcoming games, while the Cardinals will need to regroup and address the challenges they faced during this matchup. As both teams prepare for their next contests, the focus will be on adjustment and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Tennessee vs. Louisville game on December 16, 2025?
The final score was Tennessee Volunteers 83, Louisville Cardinals 62.
Who were the leading scorers in the game?
Ja’Kobi Gillespie led Tennessee with 23 points, while Ryan Conwell led Louisville with 22 points.
Why was Mikel Brown Jr. absent from the game?
Mikel Brown Jr. missed the game due to a lower back injury.
How did Tennessee perform defensively in the game?
Tennessee’s defense limited Louisville to a season-low 62 points and forced 16 turnovers, scoring 21 points off them.
What is the current season record for both teams after this game?
Tennessee improves to 8-3, while Louisville falls to 9-2.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Tennessee Volunteers 83, Louisville Cardinals 62 |
| Leading Scorer for Tennessee | Ja’Kobi Gillespie with 23 points |
| Leading Scorer for Louisville | Ryan Conwell with 22 points |
| Impact of Mikel Brown Jr.’s Absence | Louisville committed 16 turnovers without their starting point guard |
| Tennessee’s Defensive Performance | Limited Louisville to 62 points and forced 16 turnovers |
| Season Records After the Game | Tennessee 8-3, Louisville 9-2 |
Now Happening on X
- @thinkB4belief (December 16, 2025, 11:40 AM) Posts criticizing the mayor’s safety claims for 2025, noting over 108 homicides in Louisville and a 48% unsolved case rate, calling it a failure for community safety. View on X
- @WDRBNews (December 12, 2025, 4:11 PM) BREAKING NEWS: A man was stabbed to death at an apartment complex in Louisville’s Southside neighborhood, raising concerns about local public safety. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 12, 2025, 5:00 PM) LMPD reports one dead following a stabbing in Louisville’s Southside neighborhood, highlighting ongoing violent crime issues in the area. View on X
- @WLKY (December 13, 2025, 7:10 PM) Louisville nonprofits are opening emergency shelters ahead of extremely cold temperatures, providing critical support for community members facing harsh winter weather. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 12, 2025, 3:45 PM) Shoveling after the Louisville snowstorm could pose dangers, with tips on how to stay safe amid post-storm cleanup and weather-related risks. View on X
- @WLKY (December 14, 2025, 7:10 PM) A woman was hospitalized following a shooting in Louisville’s Park Duvalle neighborhood, as LMPD investigates another incident in ongoing public safety efforts. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 16, 2025, 5:30 PM) Emergency crews responded to a car crash that sparked a fire at an East End apartment complex, with no residents injured but underscoring emergency management response. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 15, 2025, 4:30 PM) LMPD arrested a man in connection to a homicide on East Oak Street from December 3, advancing police investigations into local violent crimes. View on X
- @WLKY (December 17, 2025, 1:00 AM) Safety concerns are growing after a bullet was found in an apartment at a west Louisville senior complex, prompting community responses on public safety. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
