No. 22 Miami Battles Louisville For Program History: Live Updates

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — No. 22 Miami continues to break free as one of the best teams in the ACC, and they have a chance to solidify the best regular season in program history against the Louisville Cardinals.

The Cardinals provide a lot of challenges for the Canes, but after the SMU matchup, there has been a tournament-style feel with this team that continues to shine. Against the Cardinals, that can also feel the same, with a step above in competition.

Definitely clash of styles, but it'll be an exciting game. It'll be an entertaining game," head coach Jai Lucas said. "You know, one thing about this week: I feel like the SMU game was a comparison for the season, a little bit different, but the same conceptually in how they play. But, you know, with the game, just like you, it's a game that I think they're still fighting for seeding.

"I don't know where they are. 
I think it's like a tie-breaker or something. It's the same for us. We're not fighting for Seed, but we're fighting for everything we want. And we still have to go to attack. It's all I expect them to be at a high level. I expect him to play with greater urgency and desperation and come in and try to get a win."

Seeding is already set for the Miami Hurricanes as they earned a three-seed and double bye in the ACC Tournament. The Cardinals continue to fight for a 6th seed, that could also force them to see the Canes again in the Tournament.

How to Watch: Louisville at No. 22 Miami

When: Saturday, March 7, 2:00 p.m. ET

Where: Watsco Center

TV: ESPNU

Last time out, Miami: The Hurricanes limited the SMU Mustangs, slowing down their elite offense with outstanding defense, and a great all-around game from their star seniors Ernest Udeh Jr, finishing with four blocks and a near double-double, Tre Donaldson finishing with nearly a triple-double, and Noam Dovrat coming off the bench to knock down four three pointers.

Last Time Out, Louisville: The Cardinals are coming off a victory over the Syracuse Orange, with three star players scoring in double figures without their NBA Lottery pick Mikel Brown Jr. on the roster.

Pregame:

1st Half:

Miami timeout: 16:53 — Tre Donaldson has not had the ball in his hands as must to start this game, and now it is a 10-2 run to start the game. Four quick turnovers. Not the way they wanted them to start the game. Louisville 10, Miami 2

Media timeout: 13:38 — Miami is starting to get into some type of offensive rhythm. These Reneau-less minutes are hurting Miami inside. The Canes, however, are still getting inside and scoring. They just need to slow down the Cardinals' offense. Louisville 15, Miami 6

Media Timeout: 11:43 — Miami's defense is getting lost in transition at points. They are slowly getting back into the game, but not having Reneau on the floor continues to hurt the Canes. Louisville 18, Miami 10

Media timeout: 7:43 — The Hurricanes are getting eaten alive from beyond the arc. They are in a 3-2 zone that is clearly not working, and the one time they switch to man-to-man coverage, they find themselves playing sound defense. Louisville 29, Miami 21

Media timeout: 4:01 — The Hurricanes are battling back, but it doesn't help when the Canes are still trying to figure out what they need to do defensively beyond the arc. Louisville 37, Miami 29

Halftime: Louisville 46, Miami 37

The Hurricanes haven't been able to slow down Louisville at all. The Cardinals are shooting 60 percent from the field and from 3. 9-15 from downtown. It's a 9-point game going into the half in Coral Gables.

2nd Half:

12:41 — Every shot that Louisville is putting up good or bad defense just seems to be dropping. A perfect game from the Cardinals so far and it doesn't seem to be ending. They making their shots over 60 percent from the field and 55 from three. Louisville 64, Miami 54

Media Timeout: The Hurricanes are battling back and getting to the free-throw line, but the issue is that they are giving up second-chance points now. The confusion on switching on defense is also killing them with these shots. Louisville 75, Miami 68

Timeout 5:11 — The Miami Hurricanes are on the brink of history. This game shows that if they wanted to do it it was going to come down to this. Free-throw shooting has been the key for the Canes to even get back into this game. Now they are down three with a rowdy crowd behind them. Louisville 77, Miami 74

Timeout: 3:01 — Miami has taken the lead thanks to the seniors performing at a high level. They were down 12 at one point in the second half and yet, they are taking off and breaking into what they call Miami basketball. Getting downhill, getting to the free-throw line, and making sure they are knocking down their free throws. Miami 81, Louisville 80

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