Louisville, Kentucky – Louisville showcased an impressive performance against North Carolina State, securing a 91-66 victory in Raleigh. The game was a display of dominance as the Cardinals relentlessly outscored the Wolfpack, surpassing the 74-point mark that N.C. State had not allowed any other team to breach at home. Louisville’s offensive prowess was evident, reaching the total points within seven minutes remaining in the game after a brief sluggish period in the first half.
The Cardinals’ triumph was highlighted by key plays, such as Chucky Hepburn’s steal and score before halftime and Reyne Smith’s three-pointer. Despite N.C. State’s struggles leading into the game, with eight consecutive losses, Louisville’s ability to secure a decisive victory underscored their strength as a team. This victory marked Louisville’s largest margin of victory ever in Raleigh, showcasing their dominance on the court.
Louisville coach Pat Kelsey commended his team’s preparation and execution, emphasizing the challenge of winning on the road in college basketball. The team’s cohesive performance was evident in their shooting accuracy, with an impressive 63.6% field goal percentage and 11 of 19 successful three-pointers. Additionally, the Cardinals’ defensive efforts limited N.C. State’s scoring opportunities, resulting in a significant lead in both fast break and paint points.
Individual standout performances from players like Smith, Edwards, Hadley, and Hepburn contributed to Louisville’s overall success on the court. Despite a few turnovers, the Cardinals’ collective effort secured a comfortable 25-point victory that showcased their depth and skill. Kelsey also highlighted the resilience of players like James Scott, who overcame injuries to make significant contributions to the team’s success.
With this win, Louisville improved to 19-6 overall and 12-2 in the ACC, surpassing their number of conference wins from the past three seasons combined. Looking ahead, the Cardinals are set to face Notre Dame in their next game as they aim to continue their winning streak and reach the 20-win mark for the first time since 2020. The team’s strong performance against N.C. State underscores their potential as a competitive force in college basketball.