Louisville basketball fans have plenty to celebrate after the Cardinals clinched a thrilling 62-58 victory over SMU in the ACC Tournament. It wasn't the most polished performance, with the team shooting just 23 percent from three-point range, but Ryan Conwell delivered when it counted.
Down by one, Conwell nailed a sidestep three-pointer that propelled Louisville ahead 60-58. Conwell, a transfer from Xavier, led the team with 16 points, stepping up in the clutch to secure the win.
This victory not only boosts morale but also solidifies Louisville's position in the tournament seeding. After last year's surprising No. 8 seed despite being ranked No. 10 nationally, fans were understandably anxious about another potential underseeding.
However, today's win should ease those concerns, especially without the presence of Mikel Brown Jr. Louisville is now comfortably looking at a No. 6 seed at worst, with potential to climb even higher.
According to Bracket Matrix, Louisville's average seed is 5.88, with the possibility of moving up to a 5-seed. Only one out of 91 brackets still sees them as a 7-seed. Riding a three-game winning streak, the Cardinals have a shot at another marquee victory, which could bolster their case for a 5-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Louisville boasts eight Quad 1 wins, ranking 12th in college basketball, and tomorrow's game offers a chance to notch a ninth, potentially placing them in the top five for Quad 1 victories. Joe Lunardi currently projects the Cardinals facing Missouri in the South division. With today's win, Louisville is inching closer to a 5-seed, leaving the anxiety of a 7-seed behind.