The Louisville Cardinals asserted their dominance over the Boston College Eagles, cruising to a 75-62 win at the KFC Yum! Center. Sananda Fru led the charge, delivering a impressive double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Fru's performance set the tone for the Cardinals, who never trailed after the first half.
At halftime, the Eagles held a slim 34-30 lead, but Louisville came out strong in the second half, outscoring Boston College 45-28. Fru was instrumental in the Cardinals' second-half surge, scoring 11 of his 19 points after the break. Adrian Wooley and Isaac McKneely also chipped in with 16 and 13 points, respectively, to help Louisville pull away.
Despite the loss, Boston College's Fred Payne had a standout game, scoring 22 points and grabbing five rebounds. Payne's efforts kept the Eagles within striking distance, but ultimately, they couldn't overcome the Cardinals' balanced attack. Donald Hand Jr. and Luka Toews added 12 and 11 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome Louisville's depth.
The Cardinals' victory was a quintessential Q3 win, as they took care of business against a lower-ranked opponent. This type of win is crucial for Louisville's tournament resume, as it demonstrates their ability to handle lesser foes. On the other hand, the loss drops Boston College to 9-11, making their tournament hopes even more daunting. The Eagles' Q1 loss will likely have minimal impact on their resume, given the significant disparity in ranking between the two teams.
Fru's performance was a microcosm of Louisville's overall effort. The Cardinals outrebounded the Eagles 41-29 and shot 47% from the field, compared to Boston College's 38%. Louisville's ability to control the paint and dictate the tempo ultimately proved too much for the Eagles to handle.
As the season wears on, wins like this will be vital for Louisville's tournament chances. The Cardinals' 14-6 record and 19th-ranked net ranking make them a formidable opponent, and their performance against Boston College only reinforces that notion. With this win, Louisville strengthens its resume and sets its sights on more significant challenges ahead. For Boston College, the loss serves as a reminder of the gap between themselves and the top-tier teams in the country.