The Louisville Cardinals have been the worst Power 6 men’s college basketball program in the country over the past two years, but coach Kenny Payne built up a little bit of goodwill after his team went on the road and beat the Miami Hurricanes – who have made back to back appearances in the Elite 8 – by a score of 80-71 on Wednesday evening.
Louisville and Miami were tied at 71 points apiece with 3:28 to go, but the ‘Canes went 0-7 down the stretch and the Cardinals were able to put them away at the free throw line, thanks in large part to a huge night from guard Mike James who had 26 points on 8-12 shooting.
Louisville finished the game shooting 10-23 (43.5%) from distance and 14-16 (87.5%) from the free throw line, and held one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country in Miami to just 11-34 (32.4%) on the night.
Louisville’s hopes of turning the season around are still far-fetched, but a win over Miami at least offers a glimmer of hope for this historically excellent program – and may keep coach Payne in the school’s good graces for a little longer.