Miami Hurricanes Edge Louisville Cardinals in Close Contest
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 2:30 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Miami Hurricanes 78, Louisville Cardinals 73, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Louisville Cardinals vs Miami Hurricanes?
Miami Hurricanes beat Louisville Cardinals 78-73 at Spectrum Center on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Louisville Cardinals vs Miami Hurricanes?
Louisville Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Spectrum Center, the Miami Hurricanes secured a narrow victory over the Louisville Cardinals, finishing the game with a score of 78 to 73. This win was particularly significant for Miami, as it marked a rebound from their previous loss to the Cardinals just days earlier, where they fell 89-92 on March 7, 2026. The Hurricanes' performance in this game showcased their resilience and ability to bounce back in high-pressure situations.
Both teams entered the game with similar records, with Miami boasting a home record of 25-7 and Louisville at 23-10 overall. Miami's recent form showed them at 7-3 in their last 10 games, though they were on a one-game losing streak prior to this matchup. They had been averaging 78.6 points scored while allowing 73.6 points per game during that stretch. In contrast, Louisville also had a 7-3 record in their last 10 games but was riding a three-game winning streak, averaging 84.0 points scored and allowing 75.9 points.
The Hurricanes had a mixed record at home, going 3-2 in their last five home games, while the Cardinals were strong on the road, with a 4-0 record in their last four away games. This fixture was particularly noteworthy as it was the third meeting between the two teams in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with Miami previously losing both encounters.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant players missing from either side, allowing both teams to field their strongest lineups. This contributed to the competitive nature of the game, as both teams were able to execute their strategies without the distraction of key absences.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Louisville as a slight favorite with a spread of 1.5 points and a moneyline of -122, while Miami was listed at +102. The total for the game was set at 153.5, indicating expectations of a high-scoring affair.
Conditions during the game were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams displaying their offensive capabilities. Miami's scoring plays included crucial free throws and a decisive dunk from Shelton Henderson that pushed their lead to 78-71 late in the second half. Louisville's attempts to close the gap, including a driving layup by Sananda Fru, were not enough to overcome the Hurricanes' lead.
Viewers were treated to a game filled with intensity, showcasing both teams' strengths and strategies. Miami's ability to secure the win despite their previous loss to Louisville highlights their determination and skill, making this matchup a compelling chapter in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LOU -1.5 | 153.5 o -110 / u -110 | Louisville Cardinals -122 · Miami Hurricanes +102 |
Leaders
- PointsMalik Reneau24Miami Hurricanes
- AssistsTre Donaldson6Miami Hurricanes
- ReboundsErnest Udeh Jr.9Miami Hurricanes
- PointsRyan Conwell22Louisville Cardinals
- AssistsAdrian Wooley4Louisville Cardinals
- ReboundsRyan Conwell9Louisville Cardinals
Recent form
Miami Hurricanes
Last 10: 7-3Streak L178.6 scored · 73.6 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L89-92vs Louisville CardinalsMar 7
- W77-69at SMU MustangsMar 5
- W76-54vs Boston College EaglesFeb 28
- W83-73at Florida State SeminolesFeb 25
- L83-86at Virginia CavaliersFeb 21
- W67-66vs Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 18
- W77-76at NC State WolfpackFeb 14
- W75-66vs North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 11
- W74-68at Boston College EaglesFeb 7
- L85-86vs California Golden BearsJan 31
Louisville Cardinals
Last 10: 7-3Streak W384 scored · 75.9 allowed per game3-3 away
- W62-58vs SMU MustangsMar 11
- W92-89at Miami HurricanesMar 7
- W77-62vs Syracuse OrangeMar 4
- L75-80at Clemson TigersFeb 28
- L74-77at North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 24
- W87-70vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 21
- L85-95at SMU MustangsFeb 18
- W82-71at Baylor BearsFeb 14
- W118-77vs NC State WolfpackFeb 10
- W88-80at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsFeb 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Louisville Cardinals | Miami Hurricanes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-56 | 27-58 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 6-24 | 5-13 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 38 |
| Free throws | 13-17 | 19-29 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 66 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 22 |
| Assists | 16 | 11 |
| Steals | 5 | 9 |
| Blocks | 7 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 44 |
| Fouls | 20 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 15 | 15 |
| Time in front | 31 | 57 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-46Malik Reneau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-48Dante Allen makes 0-foot dunk (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 2nd Half41-49Dante Allen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-49Khani Rooths makes 24-foot three point jumper (J'Vonne Hadley assists)
- 2nd Half44-51Tru Washington makes layup (Dante Allen assists)
- 2nd Half44-53Tru Washington makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half47-53Isaac McKneely makes 24-foot three point jumper (Aly Khalifa assists)
- 2nd Half47-55Ernest Udeh Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-55J'Vonne Hadley makes layup (Adrian Wooley assists)
- 2nd Half49-57Tru Washington makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-57Sananda Fru makes driving layup (Kobe Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half51-58Malik Reneau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-59Malik Reneau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-59Sananda Fru makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-61Malik Reneau makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-61Ryan Conwell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-62Shelton Henderson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-62Ryan Conwell makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half58-62J'Vonne Hadley makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-62J'Vonne Hadley makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-63Tru Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Ryan Conwell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-63Ryan Conwell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-64Malik Reneau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Malik Reneau makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-66Ryan Conwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-66Ryan Conwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-69Tru Washington makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 2nd Half66-69Sananda Fru makes 0-foot dunk (Ryan Conwell assists)
- 2nd Half68-69Isaac McKneely makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half68-71Malik Reneau makes layup (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 2nd Half68-72Tru Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-73Tru Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-73Ryan Conwell makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-74Tre Donaldson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-74Isaac McKneely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Malik Reneau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Malik Reneau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-78Shelton Henderson makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half73-78Sananda Fru makes driving layup (J'Vonne Hadley assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Miami Hurricanes, below favours Louisville Cardinals.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- Attendance11722
- OfficialsMark Schnur, Roger Ayers, Clarence Armstrong
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