Russ Smith hit an open 18-foot jumper with 2.2 seconds left to give Louisville a 58-57 victory.
The win was Louisville's sixth straight and 1th in 11 games.
Montrezl Harrell led the Cardinals (23-4, 12-2 American Athletic Conference) with 21 points, Terry Rozier had 11 and Smith finished with 10 on 3-of-10 shooting.
Sean Kilpatrick had 28 points for the Bearcats (24-4, 13-2).