Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton put it this way after Louisville basketball’s win over Florida State, Saturday before an enthusiastic crowd of 16,473 at the Yum Center.”
“They are a more mature team than ours,” said Hamilton. “You could see that in the first half. They are well connected as a team.”
Louisville (21-6, 13-3) got off to a quick 10-2 start and led 45-31 at halftime on its way to an 89-81 win before a crowd of 16,473 at the KFC Yum! Center.
The Noles (16-11, 7-9) cut the lead to 62-56 and 66-60 with about 8 minutes to play. But the Cards quickly righted things scoring 6 straight points as Hepburn’s left jumper with 6:52 pushed the lead to 72-60. Hepburn had 14 of his 29 points down the stretch as the Cards won their fifth straight.
“Just having that winning mentality,” said Hepburn who made 17 of 19 free throws but was 5 of 13 from the field including 2 of 8 from three.
“We have to play better and not put each other on an island (defensively). We’ve got to be a more physical team.”
Louisville forced 14 turnovers and scored 17 points off those mistakes
Hadley finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds which included 7 of 11 shooting on mostly drives to the rim. He also made both three point shots.
“He’s a dog (Hadley) in there. He’s so physical and strong. You don’t worry about him,” said Terrence Edwards Jr. who added 16 points.
Edwards whose significant other gave birth to their first child a little over a week ago. “It’s something I’ve never experienced,” said Edwards. “My wife gets up at night with the baby. So I am getting my sleep.”
Jamie Watkins led the Noles with 23 points, four rebounds. Malique Ewin added 19 points and 9 rebounds.
FSU shot 54.2,percent from the field including 60.8 in the second half.
“I think they are playing their best basketball now,” said UofL Coach Pat Kelsey. “I think we’ll see them again in the (conference) tournament.”