Louisville didn’t so much win this game as survive it with nerve and free throws. The Cardinals closed on an 8–0 run over the final 4:36 to pull away from Wake Forest, 88–80, despite not making a field goal in the last 6:38. That’s not a typo. Louisville went cold from the floor down the stretch, but Wake Forest somehow went even colder scoring zero points over the final 4:44 and missing 11 of its last 13 shots as the game slipped away.
The numbers tell a strange, but decisive story. Louisville shot a blistering 53-percent overall and 40-percent from three, building enough cushion early to withstand the late drought. Sananda Fru was flawless when it mattered, going 7-for-7 from the field for a team high 17 points, while J’Vonne Hadley added 15 on 5-of-7 shooting in just 22 minutes. When the shots stopped falling late, Louisville leaned on the stripe, finishing 24-of-31 at the line, including key makes from Kobe Rodgers in the final seconds to seal it.
Wake Forest had plenty of chances to take control. Juke Harris carried the offense with 25 points and 11 rebounds. His late layup at the 5:19 mark would be the Deacons’ final field goal. From there, possessions unraveled into rushed threes, empty trips, and fouls that only fed Louisville’s free throw parade. Despite winning the offensive rebounding battle and forcing more Louisville turnovers, Wake Forest couldn’t convert when it mattered most.
In the end, this one came down to composure. Louisville didn’t panic when the offense stalled, trusted its defense, and cashed in from the line. Wake Forest, stuck in neutral at the worst possible moment, watched a tied game dissolve into a quiet, frustrating finish. For the Cardinals, it wasn’t pretty late, but it was poised, and it was enough.
Louisville returns home on Monday night to face a resurgent NC State team at 7 pm.
