Louisville’s late push fizzled out as Virginia closed out a 79–70 win, holding the Cardinals without a field goal over the final 2:30.
Down the stretch Louisville generated multiple clean looks from deep but couldn’t capitalize, missing five straight shots as Virginia secured defensive rebounds and calmly finished the game at the free-throw line. The Cavaliers’ ability to defend without fouling late and make enough at the stripe proved decisive after Louisville had trimmed the margin to single digits.
Virginia leaned heavily on its perimeter shooting to build separation, knocking down 14 three-pointers at a 41-percent clip. Malik Thomas set the tone with 19 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting, burying six triples. Meanwhile, Jacob Grunloh added 16 points and seven rebounds, including a pivotal three at the 2:30 mark that became UVA’s final field goal. Dallin Hall controlled the glass with 12 rebounds and four assists as the Cavaliers overcame a modest shooting night inside by converting 23-of-29 free throws and winning the rebounding battle, 44–36.
Louisville got a game high 23 points from Isaac McKneely, who connected on five threes, but the Cardinals couldn’t find consistency around him. Ryan Conwell battled and scored 14 points, but needed 21 shots, and Louisville finished at just 26.3-percent from beyond the arc. Despite forcing 13 Virginia turnovers and scoring 19 points off those miscues, Louisville’s own shooting woes, which included shooting 36-percent overall, and missed opportunities late kept the Cardinals from mounting a final rally as Virginia’s early second half surge held up to the finish.
The Cards return to the court Saturday night at 8 pm facing Pittsburgh on the road.
I guess Virginia should be proud of their win but I just can’t help to recognize it came against a team who is waiting for one of its most valuable players in Pryor to find his footing after returning from a devastating injury last year…still a work in progress. The 9 game( so far) loss of its lottery pick point guard and second leading scorer. The fact that it’s top scorer just retured from injury this week while losing yet another young star due to an undisclosed illness. And finally let’s not forget this squad has not had all hands on deck all season so don’t throw the baby out with the bath water just yet. I would love to see a few rematches with the cards at 100%. We indeed could get just that with the ACC tournament then we can truly crown the best and not the better of who’s injured more.Cant wait….go Cards