Louisville Basketball has a newfound energy, but it’s not enough for hot-shooting Tar Heels and late technical fouls.
Coming off arguably its best performance of the season, Louisville basketball could not overcome UNC’s deep threat or the referees’ whistles in overtime.
On the same day Interim Head Coach Mike Pegues’s pay increase was approved by the Louisville Board of Directors, Louisville basketball out of the gate swinging, jumping to an 18-14 lead behind 4-6 shooting behind the arc in the opening minutes.
North Carolina began to right the ship midway through the first half, assuming the lead all the way down to the 2:16 mark, when Louisville basketball went on a mini run of its own, sparked by Sydney Curry’s aggressive play to take the lead back. Nonetheless, the Tar Heels took a 36-35 edge into halftime behind RJ Davis’s 10 points.
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In the second half, North Carolina began to show its range, pushing the lead to double-digits 55-45 after trading baskets and free-throws with the Cards for a few minutes.
Then, the comeback was on. Led by guard El Ellis putting on a show, Louisville basketball climbed back in the game and took the lead 60-58 on his three late in the second half.
The two battled to a tie at the end of regulation, knotting it at 74. And that’s when all hell broke loose.
What should’ve been a fiery back-and-forth finish, ended with technical free-throws for the Tar Heels and missed opportunities for the Cardinals.
Jae’Lyn Withers was whistled for one after a mild shove on Armando Bacot after a jump ball. The second came when Pegues was t’d up after Curry was called for a foul after being fouled himself.
One has to think the ACC will be taking a very close look at what transpired in the closing minutes of overtime. Someone should be reprimanded.
The YUM! Center was blood-drunk, and rightfully so. Alas, the free throws put the game out of reach in favor of North Carolina 90-83.
UNC finished the game shooting 46.2% behind the arc.
Ellis led the Cards with 25 points. Matt Cross tallied a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds, respectively.
Postgame thoughts
- Louisville looked like a machine with a new battery. A car with a fresh oil change.
- We saw a more polished offense, a more aggressive defense, and the energy level was electric.
- This team’s core has expanded.
- Perhaps less is more, o captain.
- The El Ellis Show, folks.
- Mike Pegues’ brand of hoops seems to be tough and together at least.
- This team just feels better.
- Louisville can absolutely make some noise in the ACC Tournament.
- That was the worst minutes of refereeing college basketball I’ve ever witnessed.
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