It was close for a half, the Cards led by 15, and it got close again. It was a typical UofL Basketball game tonight. Facing New Mexico (28-7) with a chance to go to the Sweet 16, the Cardinals (28-9) outlasted the Lobos 59-56 at the Rose Garden in Portland, OR.
Russ Smith led the Cards with 17 points and went 3-3 from behind the arc; Kyle Kuric added 10 points; Peyton Siva had 6 points and 6 assists, with 2 of those points and 1 of those assists coming in clutch situations at the end of the game; Gorgui Dieng had 6 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks; Chane Behanan had 10 points on 5-7 shooting; and Chris Smith had 8 points.
UofL had a great defensive game. They held the Lobos to 5-23 (21.7%) from 3 point range. Also, New Mexico was averaging over 70 points per game and were held to 56.
The Cards will face the winner of the Michigan State/St. Louis game. That will be played on Sunday at 2:45 on CBS.