Full Breakdown
Louisville Cardinals Secure Victory Against Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2/8/2026, 3:12:44 AM
Game Overview and Key Performances
On February 7, 2026, the No. 24 Louisville Cardinals achieved an 88-80 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Joel Coliseum. This win marked Louisville's third consecutive victory, improving their overall record to 17-6 and their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record to 7-4. The Cardinals built a significant 15-point lead in the second half but had to withstand a late rally from Wake Forest.
Sananda Fru led Louisville's offensive efforts with a perfect shooting performance, scoring 17 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. The team showcased a strong perimeter game, hitting 40% of their three-point attempts (10-of-25), while also scoring 34 points in the paint. J'Vonne Hadley contributed 15 points, and Khani Rooths added 13 points off the bench. Freshman Mikel Brown Jr. facilitated the offense with a game-high 8 assists and scored 12 points, including 7-of-9 from the free-throw line.
Wake Forest's Struggles and Defensive Challenges
Wake Forest, now with a record of 11-12 and 2-8 in the ACC, faced significant challenges throughout the game. The Demon Deacons entered the matchup having lost eight of their last ten games, and their chances of making the NCAA Tournament appeared slim. Despite this, they aimed to improve their standing in the conference and avoid finishing in the bottom three, which would exclude them from the ACC Tournament.
Defensively, Wake Forest struggled to contain Louisville's three-point shooters, particularly Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely, who have been effective from beyond the arc this season. The Deacons needed to improve their perimeter defense to have a chance at an upset, especially after their previous loss to N.C. State, where they failed to defend the three-point line effectively.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly their ability to maintain composure under pressure. He highlighted the importance of free-throw shooting, noting that the Cardinals shot 86.4% from the line in the second half. Kelsey emphasized the need for continued improvement as they prepare for their next matchup against NC State.
What's Next for Both Teams
Looking ahead, Louisville will face NC State in their next game at the KFC Yum! Center, aiming to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, Wake Forest will need to regroup and focus on their remaining games to salvage their season and improve their chances of qualifying for the ACC Tournament.
