Louisville Pulls Off Massive Upset As Miami Drops First Home Game Of The Season

Entering The Game As 16.5 Point Underdogs, The Cardinals Get Their First ACC Win Against The Canes

Before the game it was all good news for Miami. Nijel Pack, Wooga Poplar and Norchad Omier were all dealing with injuries but were all ruled as active for their fourth ACC game of the season.

Facing one of the worst programs in the country over the past two seasons, Louisville looked like it would be an easy game for Miami to tune themselves up. It turned out to be quiet the opposite.

The Louisville Cardinals came into the Watsco Center and took care of business as they won 80-71. With a loss against one of the worst teams in the country, it will certainly hang on Miami when the NCAA Tournament comes around.

For Louisville it was Mike James leading the way, scoring a career-high 26 points with forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield contributing 22 points and nine rebounds. The Cardinals were the more efficient team and closed out the game when it mattered.

Matthew Cleveland was the lone bright spot for Miami, contributing 22 points and 12 rebounds as he was flying up and down the court all night. Poplar was the only other double-digit scorer, but his four turnovers put a dent in his team.

Pack and Omier combined for just 15 points tonight on 31% shooting, a recipe that isn't going to put Miami in a place to win.

Miami will go on the road this weekend to face the Virginia Tech Hokies, who are coming off an 87-72 victory over the #21 Clemson Tigers.

Miami's season has now got a whole lot more interesting, as a few more losses might put them in a situation where winning the ACC Tournament could be their only way in to March Madness. It's only January, but this loss certainly holds weight.

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