Notre Dame’s hopes of an upset against Louisville fizzled in the second half as the Cardinals pulled away for a 75-60 victory Saturday at Purcell Pavilion. Despite a competitive first half, the Irish couldn’t overcome their offensive struggles and Louisville’s balanced attack, dropping their fourth ACC game in their last five outings.
The Irish (11-14, 5-9 ACC) trailed 35-28 at halftime but were outscored 40-32 in the second half as Louisville (20-6, 13-2 ACC) extended its lead to as many as 18 points. A late three-pointer by Braeden Shrewsberry cut the deficit to 73-60 with just over a minute remaining, but Louisville’s Chucky Hepburn sealed the win with a layup in the final seconds.
The turning point came midway through the second half when Louisville went on a 13-0 run, turning a single-digit game into a commanding lead. Notre Dame’s inability to generate consistent offense, particularly from beyond the arc, proved costly. The Irish shot just 27.3% from three-point range and struggled to contain Louisville’s offensive rhythm.
Key Performances
Louisville’s Chucky Hepburn led the way with 16 points, six assists, and three rebounds, providing steady leadership throughout the game. Terrence Edwards Jr. added 14 points, while James Scott dominated the glass with a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds). Reyne Smith chipped in 12 points, including four three-pointers, to keep the Irish defense stretched.
For Notre Dame, freshman Markus Burton carried the offensive load with 22 points and four assists, but his six turnovers hindered the Irish in critical moments. Tae Davis added 15 points, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, while Shrewsberry contributed 12 points and six rebounds. However, the Irish bench managed just two points, highlighting the team’s lack of depth.
Statistical Breakdown
Louisville shot 49.1% from the field, including 56.5% in the second half, while Notre Dame finished at 36.4%. The Cardinals also held a slight edge in three-point shooting, hitting 11-of-33 compared to Notre Dame’s 6-of-22. Both teams tied in rebounds (32-32), but Louisville’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and Notre Dame’s scoring droughts proved decisive.
What’s Next?
Notre Dame will look to regroup as they continue their ACC schedule, hosting SMU on Wednesday, February 18, at Purcell Pavilion. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Irish will need to improve their offensive efficiency and reduce turnovers if they hope to compete against conference opponents down the stretch.