Miami ends Louisville’s ACC Tournament run in quarterfinals, 78-73, after late second-half push
Miami rallies past Louisville in Charlotte to reach ACC semifinals
Louisville’s run in the 2026 T. Rowe Price ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament ended Thursday, March 12, with a 78-73 quarterfinal loss to Miami at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The result dropped the Cardinals to 23-10 overall, while the Hurricanes advanced at 25-7.
The game stayed within a single-digit margin throughout and featured multiple lead changes. Louisville held a 38-37 advantage at halftime, but Miami won the second half 41-35 by limiting mistakes and getting to the free-throw line repeatedly in the closing stretch.
Key performances and statistical turning points
Louisville guard Ryan Conwell led all Cardinals with 22 points on 8-of-20 shooting and added nine rebounds. Miami was paced by Malik Reneau, who scored 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting while also drawing fouls and converting seven of nine free throws.
Several box-score margins shaped the outcome:
Free throws: Miami attempted 29 and made 19, while Louisville went 13-for-17.
Turnovers: Miami committed eight turnovers to Louisville’s 13, creating extra possessions in a five-point game.
Three-point shooting: Louisville hit 6-of-24 from three; Miami went 5-of-13.
Louisville shot 48% from the field (27-of-56), essentially matching Miami’s 47% (27-of-58). With efficiency similar on two-point attempts, the difference came through shot volume and scoring at the foul line.
What the loss means for Louisville’s postseason picture
The quarterfinal exit closes Louisville’s ACC Tournament with a single appearance in Charlotte. The Cardinals entered the event as the No. 6 seed and drew Miami, the No. 3 seed, in the quarterfinal round.
The program now shifts to Selection Sunday preparation and NCAA Tournament positioning. Louisville arrived in Charlotte after a regular season that included a win at Miami on March 7, 92-89, underscoring how narrow the margin was between the two teams over a five-day span.
Final: Miami 78, Louisville 73 — ACC Tournament quarterfinal, Spectrum Center (Charlotte).
Miami’s win sends the Hurricanes into the tournament semifinals, while Louisville awaits its next assignment as the national postseason bracket is finalized.