LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In an exciting matchup on Wednesday night, Louisville managed to halt their three-game losing streak with a 77-74 victory over UTEP, thanks in large part to Terrence Edwards Jr.’s impressive 22-point performance. Both James Scott and J’Vonne Hadley also made significant contributions, each recording a double-double for the Cardinals.
Midway through the second half, Louisville created some distance from UTEP by going on a 9-0 run, which included back-to-back dunks from freshman Khani Rooths. This surge pushed their lead to 63-55. However, UTEP responded quickly, scoring eight of the next ten points to narrow the gap to just two points.
With 45.8 seconds remaining, Devon Barnes hit a jumper, bringing UTEP within one at 73-72. On their next possession, Kevin Kalu’s putback dunk further tightened the score to a one-point deficit with only 8.4 seconds left in the game. Louisville closed the game out by having Reyne Smith sink two free throws with just 6.2 seconds on the clock, establishing a crucial three-point cushion. UTEP had a chance to equalize the game, but Corey Camper’s potential tying three-pointer clanked off the back iron as the buzzer sounded.
On the night for Louisville (6-4), Hadley contributed 13 points along with 12 rebounds, and Scott added another 11 points while also grabbing 11 boards. Chucky Hepburn also played a vital role with 12 points and seven assists. For UTEP (6-3), Camper finished the game leading his team with 19 points, while Barnes and Ahamad Bynum chipped in with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
In the first half, Elijah Jones hit his third three-pointer of the season just before the break, granting UTEP a 36-32 lead. Louisville struggled in the latter part of the half, missing their last eight shots and finishing the half with a shooting percentage of just 37%, alongside eight turnovers.
Camper, who had struggled with his three-point shooting earlier in the season, managed to make a successful shot from beyond the arc with 17:26 left in the contest, extending UTEP’s lead to 43-36.
Looking ahead, Louisville is set to face No. 5 Kentucky on Saturday, while UTEP will return home to host Tarleton State on Monday.
