Kevin Ware, the sentimental figure during the Cardinals' title run last season, scored Friday night on the first touch of his official return since shattering his leg during last season's NCAA tournament.
The third-ranked Cardinals posted a school-record 19th straight win while welcoming back Ware in a 99-54 victory over Cornell.
Ware, who played in an exhibition this season before sitting out Louisville's first two games, entered with 14:06 left in the first half. He split defenders on a drive to cap a 20-point run that made it 22-2.
Wayne Blackshear led the Cardinals (3-0) with 20 points, hitting 4 of 5 3-pointers. Chane Behanan added 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Nolan Cressler scored 10 points for Cornell (0-4).