The Louisville men’s basketball team orchestrated a remarkable comeback on Sunday, rallying from an eight-point deficit with 1:18 left in regulation to secure an exhilarating 90-84 overtime victory against New Mexico State at the KFC Yum! Center.
The Cardinals displayed resilience, overcoming the odds in a game that showcased the determination and prowess of the team under head coach Kenny Payne.
“I’m proud of our guys,” Payne expressed after the game. “I’m proud of how they finished at the free-throw line late in the game. I’m proud of the fact that we won the game by being aggressive around the rim.”
The turning point came when sophomore guard Tre White sank a crucial 3-pointer with 21 seconds left in regulation, forcing the game into overtime. The Cardinals capitalized on the opportunity, scoring 15 of their 17 overtime points from the free-throw line, ultimately clinching the victory.
Louisville’s performance from the free-throw line was nothing short of exceptional. The team made an impressive 36 of 49 attempts, drawing 40 fouls—the highest in program history by an opponent. The 36 makes and 49 attempts were the most since November 8, 2018, against Nicholls.
Leading the charge was sophomore guard Skyy Clark, who recorded a career-high 29 points, with an outstanding 15 of 16 from the free-throw line. Clark’s performance at the line was reminiscent of Cardinals’ history, with his 15 makes being the most since Samardo Samuels in 2010.
Louisville had three players scoring 20 or more points, marking the first time since 2014. Tre White contributed 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals, while senior forward JJ Traynor had a career-high 20 points and nine boards.
The game saw Louisville facing a 10-point deficit before halftime, trailing 30-28. Despite a challenging first half, the Cardinals exhibited resilience and fight, showcasing their ability to stay together as a team.
NMSU’s lead extended to 73-65 with 1:18 left in regulation before Louisville began its comeback. Traynor’s three-point play cut the deficit to 73-70, and White’s game-tying shot in the closing seconds pushed the game into overtime.
Louisville continued its momentum in overtime, securing victory with an intense focus on free-throw shooting. Six New Mexico State players fouled out, leaving the Aggies with only four players on the court.
The Cardinals, now 3-3 for the season, will stay home to face crosstown foe Bellarmine at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The game will be available for streaming on ACC Network Extra. The thrilling victory against New Mexico State not only adds to the team’s record but also underscores the resilience and tenacity that define Louisville’s basketball program under Kenny Payne.
