LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Terrence Edwards Jr. scored 22 points, while teammates James Scott and J’Vonne Hadley both recorded double-doubles, leading Louisville to a 77-74 victory over UTEP on Wednesday night. This win allowed Louisville to break a three-game losing streak.
Midway through the second half, Louisville began to pull ahead by scoring nine consecutive points, including two impressive dunks from freshman Khani Rooths, which gave the team a 63-55 advantage. However, UTEP quickly responded by scoring eight of the next ten points, closing the gap significantly.
With only 45.8 seconds remaining on the clock, Devon Barnes sank a jumper from the free-throw line, reducing UTEP’s deficit to just one point at 73-72. In a critical play shortly thereafter, Kevin Kalu executed a putback dunk with just 8.4 seconds remaining, bringing UTEP to within one point again.
To secure the win, Reyne Smith from Louisville converted two free throws with 6.2 seconds left, extending the lead to three points. UTEP had a chance to tie the game, but Corey Camper’s last-second 3-pointer bounced off the back iron as the final buzzer sounded.
For Louisville (6-4), Hadley contributed 13 points along with 12 rebounds, while Scott added 11 points and 11 rebounds. Chucky Hepburn also played a pivotal role, scoring 12 points and providing seven assists during the game.
Leading the charge for UTEP (6-3), Camper finished with 19 points, while Barnes added 16 and Ahamad Bynum contributed 14 points.
Elijah Jones had a standout moment at the end of the first half, sinking his third 3-pointer of the season to put UTEP ahead 36-32. Louisville struggled offensively, missing their last eight shots of the half and finishing at 37% shooting with eight turnovers.
Camper, who had entered the game shooting just 27% from beyond the arc, managed to hit a crucial 3-pointer early in the second half, extending UTEP’s lead to 43-36.
Looking ahead, Louisville is set to face off against fifth-ranked Kentucky on Saturday, while UTEP will return home to take on Tarleton State on Monday.
