With 14:25 to play Sunday afternoon in the Yum!, after a Mike James triple was countered by a Pepperdine FG and a couple layups, Louisville’s 14 point halftime advantage had been halved to 45-38.
After a Cardinal timeout, Louisville steadied.
And surged
Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, Star of the Game, converted a +1.
Trey White tallied a fastbreak slam on a Skyy Clark steal.
BH-H dunked thanks to a Clark assist after the pivotman had secured a Wave miss at the other end.
Curtis Williams then converted on one of his 4 threeballs (in 5 attempts) after a Kaleb Glenn offensive board.
After that 10 zed assault over 2:05, Louisville’s margin increased to 17 at 55-38.
The visitors never closed closer than 14 the rest of the way. U of L led by 30 before Kenny Payne cleared the bench.
(The visitors led but once, after a three with 18:49 left in the opening stanza. A Mike James bomb tied it 25 seconds later.)
Final margin: Louisville 85, Pepperdine 63.
* * * * *
The focused and energetic Cards generated 17 assists on 32 made FGs.
The victors were +6 on points off turnovers.
+10 on 2d chance points.
+18 in the paint.
+12 off the bench.
They were 9/16 (56%) from Treyville. 12/16 (75%) at the charity stripe.
* * * * *
Huntley-Hatfield scored 20, snared 12 caroms, and netted 8 of 11 FTs.
James, aggressive the whole afternoon, went for 19 and 6.
Williams notched a career high 16.
White’s line read 10 and 6.
Clark netted 6 with 5 dimes.
Hercy Miller swished his only attempt, a long ball seconds after entering the fray.
* * * * *
JJ and D-Lo DNP, in street clothes on the bench cheering on their mates.
Koron Davis was last seen, Dr, P in hand, swirling in the transfer portal maelstrom somewhere over Fansville.
* * * * *
Next: A very very good Kentucky Wildcat squad Thursday evening at the Yum!. 6:00 PM tip.
— c d kaplan