Louisville Cardinals dominate Pepperdine, ending losing streak with 85-63 victory

The University of Louisville men's basketball team put aside speculation about coach Kenny Payne's job security and delivered a dominant performance, defeating Pepperdine 85-63. Payne denied rumors of an imminent announcement regarding his position and emphasized his commitment to improving the program. The victory marked a significant improvement for the team, surpassing their win total from the previous season. Louisville showcased strong teamwork, with four players scoring in double figures and generating a season-high 17 assists. The win also coincided with a visit from 5-star recruit Karter Knox and his family, potentially signaling a positive development in recruiting efforts. The team now prepares for a highly anticipated matchup against rival Kentucky.