Debbie Antonelli got the call from son Patrick during Louisville’s win over Indiana

Louisville took care of business on Wednesday, cruising to an 89-61 blowout victory over Indiana. The significant win also helped create a special moment for ESPN broadcaster Debbie Antonelli and her son, Patrick.

The Cardinals led 86-52 with 1:55 left in the game, which meant Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey could empty his bench. Doing so gave graduate transfer Patrick Antonelli a chance to get into the game. While bench players going into a blowout usually don’t get too much notice, Beth Mowins, who called the ESPN broadcast with mom Debbie, certainly noticed.

“Patrick Antonelli, at the scorer’s table, sat down to check in, and looking on the other side, extremely anxious and nervous, is his Hall of Fame mother, Debbie,” Mowins said. “And here comes Patrick.”

“At the scorer’s table, set to check in, looking across the road, extremely anxious and nervous, is his Hall of Fame mother Debbie. And here comes Patrick.” – Debbie Antonelli calls her son as he checks in to Louisville pic.twitter.com/xpdbL8arhM

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) 27 November 2024

During his nearly two minutes of action, Patrick scored three free throws and grabbed a steal as his proud mother watched from the speaker’s table.

Antonelli transferred to Louisville this season after spending four years with Division II’s Emory & Henry. While there, he started 56 of 63 games, averaging 6.5 points, 4.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds.

Wearing no. 12 for the Cardinals, it’s the same number his mother wore at NC State, where she led the Wolfpack to four NCAA Tournaments and two Sweet Sixteens. A longtime women’s basketball fixture, Antonelli also works as an analyst for the Indiana Fever.

Family @debbieantonelli is on call today for @LouisvilleMBB match this afternoon.

Tune in on ESPN at #GoCards pic.twitter.com/Yosjv6J4WD

— Louisville Athletics (@GoCards) 27 November 2024

As far as we know, it was the first time a female announcer called her son at a men’s basketball game.

(ESPN, On3)