In their final regular season game, the Louisville Cardinals were unable to stop the seventh-ranked Virginia Cavaliers, losing 75-60 on the road. Despite Mike James tying his career-high of 24 points, the Cardinals were unable to match the offensive efficiency of the Cavaliers, who shot an impressive 58% from the field and recorded 25 assists on 29 made baskets.
Coach Kenny Payne acknowledged the quality of the Virginia team, calling them a “well-oiled machine” with “veteran players” who are “connected to each other.” He praised their offensive pace, which proved difficult for Louisville to handle. The Cavaliers used a 13-2 run in the first half to build a commanding lead, which they maintained throughout the game.
Despite the loss, the Cardinals have a chance to redeem themselves in the upcoming ACC Tournament. As the No. 15 seed, they will face Boston College, the No. 10 seed, in the opening round. James is optimistic about the team’s chances, especially if they can carry over their second-half offensive mindset into Tuesday’s game. However, they will need to improve defensively if they hope to advance in the tournament.
Overall, while the regular season has been a disappointment for Louisville, they have a chance to finish strong and make some noise in the postseason. With players like James and El Ellis stepping up offensively, the team has the potential to surprise some opponents and prove that they are better than their record suggests. The road won’t be easy, but as the saying goes, anything can happen in March Madness.
