Cardinals Conquer Demon Deacons: A Battle of Baskets and Grit
Fru's Flawless Performance Fuels Louisville's Offense
Sananda Fru was the undisputed offensive leader for Louisville, achieving a perfect shooting record of 7-for-7 from the field, accumulating 17 points. His exceptional efficiency played a pivotal role in the Cardinals' ability to maintain their lead throughout the game, demonstrating his crucial contribution to their sustained success.
Cardinals Command Early Lead, Demon Deacons Display Resilience
The Louisville Cardinals, now boasting a 17-6 overall record and 7-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, dominated from the outset, never relinquishing their lead. Their offensive attack capitalized on Wake Forest's defensive vulnerabilities, shooting an impressive 52.9% from the field. However, the Demon Deacons, despite their 11-12 overall record and 2-8 conference standing, mounted a formidable comeback, erasing a 15-point second-half deficit to tie the game on two occasions, showcasing their fighting spirit.
Harris Leads Wake Forest's Valiant Charge
Juke Harris was a standout performer for Wake Forest, registering 16 of his game-high 25 points in the second half. The sophomore also contributed significantly on the boards with 11 rebounds. Despite his heroic efforts, the Demon Deacons ultimately fell short, extending their losing streak to five games, a testament to Louisville's ability to close out a tight contest.
Balanced Scoring Attack Powers Louisville to Victory
Beyond Fru's stellar outing, Louisville demonstrated a well-distributed scoring effort, with five other players reaching double figures. J'Vonne Hadley contributed 15 points, and Khani Rooths added 13. Freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. also made crucial contributions, converting six free throws in the final minutes and finishing with 12 points and eight assists, highlighting the depth of Louisville's roster.
Hadley's Timely Return and Impactful Performance
Despite concerns regarding a back injury that limited his play in a previous game, J'Vonne Hadley made a triumphant return to the starting lineup. He immediately made an impact, scoring Louisville's first five points. His presence was particularly felt when he rattled off six points in just 33 seconds, pushing Louisville's lead to its largest of the game at 54-39, underscoring his importance to the team's dynamics.
Precision Shooting from Beyond the Arc
Louisville's offensive efficiency extended to their long-range shooting, where they converted 40% of their 3-point attempts, hitting 10 of 25. Isaac McKneely was particularly accurate, sinking three of his four attempts, while Ryan Conwell added two successful shots from downtown. Both players ended the game with 11 points, further diversifying Louisville's scoring threats.
Wake Forest's Late Surge and Louisville's Clutch Free Throws
Wake Forest's persistent efforts saw them make 14 of 21 shots over an 11-minute span, eventually tying the game at 80 with 4:44 left on two free throws by Sebastian Akins. However, the Demon Deacons' offensive momentum faltered in the critical closing moments, as they missed their final 11 shots. Louisville, in contrast, maintained composure, sinking 10 of 12 free throws in the final 5:06 to seal their hard-fought victory.
Demon Deacons' Bench Contributions
For Wake Forest, Omaha Biliew provided a significant spark off the bench, contributing 14 points. Sebastian Akins added 12 points, and Myles Colvin chipped in with 10, showcasing the depth of the Demon Deacons' scoring options, even in defeat.