The Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team, representing the University of Louisville (U of L) in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) of NCAA Division I, boasts a storied history in college basketball. With two official NCAA championships in 1980 and 1986, along with numerous Final Four appearances, the Cardinals command respect in college hoops. Despite vacated titles and appearances, their legacy remains illustrious. Let's delve into the rich playoff history of the Louisville Cardinals, exploring their triumphs, setbacks, and enduring influence on the college basketball landscape.
Pre-tournament Helms champions
Louisville's basketball legacy traces back to Bernard "Peck" Hickman's leadership in 1948 when the team clinched the NAIB tournament championship. Notably, the 1956 NIT Championship underlines their early prowess in national competitions.
Louisville Cardinals NCAA tournament champions
In 1980 and 1986, the Cardinals etched their names in NCAA history books as champions, marking unforgettable moments for players, fans, and the university.
NCAA tournament runner-up
The Louisville Cardinals have had notable finishes in the NCAA tournament, with appearances in the runner-up or semifinalist positions. In 1959 and 1972, they secured fourth place, while in 1975, they attained third place. Additionally, they reached the semifinals in 1982, 1983, and 2005. However, their semifinal appearances in 2012 and 2013 were vacated.
Louisville Cardinals NCAA Tournament History and Appearances
With 39 official NCAA tournament appearances, the Cardinals have left an indelible mark on college basketball, captivating audiences with skill and determination.
NCAA Tournament Round of 32 Appearances
Louisville Cardinals have made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32, advancing past the initial round to face tougher competition. Here's a breakdown of their second-round appearances
| Year | Result |
| 1959 | W 77–63 |
| 1979 | W 69–66 |
| 1980 | W 71–69 OT |
| 1982 | W 81–56 |
| 1983 | W 70–57 |
| 1984 | W 69–67 |
| 1986 | W 82–68 |
| 1989 | W 93–84 |
| 1990 | L 60–62 |
| 1992 | W 81–58 |
| 1993 | W 78–63 |
| 1994 | W 60–55 |
| 1996 | W 68–64 |
| 1997 | W 64–63 |
| 2005 | W 76–54 |
| 2009 | W 79–72 |
| 2012 | W 59–56 |
| 2013 | W 82–56 |
| 2014 | W 66–51 |
| 2015 | W 66–53 |
NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen Appearances
Louisville Cardinals have advanced to the Sweet Sixteen stage of the NCAA Tournament on several occasions, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level. Here's a summary of their Sweet Sixteen appearances:
| Year | Result |
| 1959 | W 76–61 |
| 1961 | L 55–56 |
| 1972 | L 77–96 |
| 1975 | W 78–63 |
| 1978 | L 89–90 2OT |
| 1980 | W 86–66 |
| 1982 | W 75–68 |
| 1983 | W 80–68 OT |
| 1984 | L 67–72 |
| 1986 | W 94–79 |
| 1989 | L 69–83 |
| 1993 | L 69–82 |
| 1994 | L 70–82 |
| 1996 | L 59–60 |
| 2005 | W 93–79 |
| 2008 | W 79–60 |
| 2012 | W 57–44 |
| 2013 | W 77–69 |
| 2015 | W 75–65 |
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Appearances
The Louisville Cardinals have reached the Elite Eight stage of the NCAA Tournament on several occasions, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level. Here's a summary of their Elite Eight appearances:
| Year | Result |
| 1959 | L 79–94 |
| 1972 | L 77–96 |
| 1975 | L 74–75 OT |
| 1980 | W 80–72 |
| 1982 | L 46–50 |
| 1983 | L 81–94 |
| 1986 | W 84–76 |
| 2005 | W 93–85 OT |
| 2008 | L 73–83 |
| 2012 | W 72–68 |
NCAA Tournament Final Four Appearances
Louisville Cardinals have a storied Final Four history, including championship victories in 1980 and 1986. They achieved success in 1975, secured a championship in 2013 (vacated), and appeared twice in 2012 (vacated).
| Year | Result |
| 1959 | Fourth |
| 1972 | Fourth |
| 1975 | Third |
| 1980 | Champion |
| 1982 | Semifinal |
| 1983 | Semifinal |
| 1986 | Champion |
| 2005 | Semifinal |
| 2012 | Semifinal |
| 2013 | Champion |
Louisville Cardinals Conference tournament champions
Louisville Cardinals have clinched 19 conference tournament titles across various conferences. They secured 2 championships in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, 11 in the Metro Conference, 2 in the Conference USA, 3 in the Big East Conference, and 1 in the American Athletic Conference.
Louisville Cardinals Conference regular season champions
Louisville Cardinals boast an impressive record of 23 conference regular season championships. Their victories span different conferences, including the Missouri Valley Conference with 7 titles, the Metro Conference with 12 titles, Conference USA with 1 title, the Big East Conference with 2 titles, and the American Athletic Conference with 1 title.
FAQ's On Louisville College March Madness Playoff History
A. The Louisville Cardinals have officially won two NCAA championships, in 1980 and 1986.
A. The Louisville Cardinals have made 39 official NCAA tournament appearances.
A. The Louisville Cardinals have reached the Sweet Sixteen stage of the NCAA Tournament 20 times in their history.
A. The Louisville Cardinals have reached the Elite Eight stage of the NCAA Tournament 10 times.
A. The Louisville Cardinals have won 19 conference tournament championships in total.
