Louisville Tops Wake Forest 88-80 Behind Balanced Attack

The Louisville Cardinals traveled to the LJVM Coliseum and came away with a hard-fought 88-80 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. This win was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a Louisville win by 6.8 points, and the Cardinals delivered, surpassing the predicted margin by just 1.2 points. The game was marked by strong performances from both teams, with Juke Harris leading Wake Forest with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Sananda Fru paced Louisville with 17 points and 6 rebounds.

The first half saw Louisville take control, with the Cardinals jumping out to a 43-34 lead at the break. Wake Forest struggled to contain Louisville's balanced attack, as three Cardinals scored in double figures in the opening period. The Demon Deacons, on the other hand, relied heavily on Harris, who scored 15 points in the first half to keep his team within striking distance.

In the second half, Wake Forest made a push to get back in the game, with Omaha Biliew and Sebastian Akins contributing 14 and 12 points, respectively. However, Louisville's depth and balance proved too much for the Demon Deacons to overcome. The Cardinals had three players score in double figures in the second half, including Fru, J'Vonne Hadley, and Khani Rooths, to seal the win.

The victory is a significant one for Louisville, as it marks a Quadrant 1 win on the road. The Cardinals' current NET ranking of 17 will likely remain steady, and this win will be a valuable addition to their tournament resume. For Wake Forest, the loss is a missed opportunity to bolster their own tournament chances, but the Demon Deacons can take solace in the fact that this was also a Quadrant 1 game for them, demonstrating their ability to compete with top-tier teams.

The performance of Harris was a bright spot for Wake Forest, as the Demon Deacons' top performer showed his versatility and skill. Fru, on the other hand, was the catalyst for Louisville's win, providing a spark on both ends of the floor. The Cardinals' ability to contain Harris and limit Wake Forest's supporting cast was a key factor in their victory.

As the season enters its final stretch, this win will be an important one for Louisville's tournament chances. The Cardinals have established themselves as a legitimate contender in the ACC, and this road win will only add to their credibility. For Wake Forest, the loss is a setback, but the Demon Deacons still have time to make a push for the postseason.