Jared Swopshire and freshman Chane Behanan had 14 points and nine rebounds each, lifting No. 9 Louisville to a closer-than-expected 62-54 exhibition victory over reigning Division II champion Bellarmine on Thursday night.
The Cardinals have high expectations but are trying to overcome injuries to freshman Wayne Blackshear (right shoulder) and junior Peyton Siva (concussion).
Bellarmine's veteran lineup, which returned more than 70 percent of its scoring, is a favorite in Division II again this season.
Louisville went on a 9-0 run early in the second half to take a 43-32 lead with 14:20 left. The Knights whittled it down and Jeremy Kendle's second 3-pointer made it 52-49 with 5:46 to play, but they never got any closer.
Bellarmine, which is less than 5 miles from Louisville's campus, is 0-16 against the Cardinals.
