Louisville MBB Recap: Blue Devils Bedevil Cards In Second Half

Duke leaned on efficiency and balance to pull away late, knocking off Louisville 84–73 in a game that swung decisively in the final minutes. The Blue Devils shot 51-percent from the floor and controlled the tempo down the stretch, answering every Louisville push after the Cardinals briefly reclaimed the lead early in the second half. Duke’s ability to convert at the rim and live at the free throw line proved pivotal as it attempted 28 foul shots to Louisville’s 12 and turned those chances into just enough separation.


Cameron Boozer was the headliner, delivering a highly efficient 27-point performance on 10-of-12 shooting while adding eight rebounds and four assists. Ian Evans chipped in 23 points and knocked down four triples, while Caleb Foster added 20 points to give Duke three double-figure scorers who consistently punished defensive breakdowns. Duke’s offense closed the door with a late 9–0 run, capped by a Derrick Sarr jumper at the 10 second mark that stretched the lead to 14 and effectively sealed it.

Louisville had its moments, particularly behind Ryan Conwell, who finished with a game high 24 points and seven rebounds. The Cardinals leaned heavily on the three-point shot, hitting 12 threes, but struggled to find consistency inside, shooting just 40-percent overall. Adrian Wooley added 11 points and J’Vonn Hadley contributed across the stat sheet with seven points and four assists, but Louisville couldn’t sustain momentum after briefly regaining a 60–59 lead with 11 minutes remaining.

The Cardinals’ late push came too late to change the outcome, though they showed fight to the final horn. Aly Khalifa drilled a corner three with three seconds left to trim the margin to 11, finishing a perfect 5-for-5 night from deep and giving Louisville a final bright spot. In the end, Duke’s shot making efficiency and composure at the line were the difference, as the Blue Devils executed cleanly in winning time while Louisville was left to rue missed opportunities earlier in the half.

Louisville will be back to the Yum Saturday to face Boston College at noon.

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