Louisville Survives Late Scare from SMU in ACC Tournament

Cardinals advance to quarterfinals with narrow victory over Mustangs

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:10am

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No. 24 Louisville overcame a late surge from SMU to win 62-58 in the second round of the ACC tournament. Ryan Conwell scored 5 of his 16 points in the final 1:17 to help the Cardinals hold off the Mustangs, who were led by Jaron Pierre Jr.'s 17 points. Louisville played without standout freshman Mikel Brown Jr. but got key contributions from Adrian Wooley and Isaac McKneely. SMU missed its final 6 shots and will now await its NCAA Tournament fate on Selection Sunday.

Why it matters

This win keeps Louisville's ACC tournament hopes alive as they look to return to the championship game for the second straight year. For SMU, the loss is a missed opportunity to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume, leaving them firmly on the bubble heading into Selection Sunday.

The details

Louisville overcame a 48-43 deficit with 8 minutes remaining, tying the game at 50-50 and 56-56 before Conwell hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:17 left. The Cardinals forced SMU to miss its final 6 shots as they held on for the victory. Louisville shot just 39.6% from the field but made 14 of 20 free throws, while SMU struggled at the line, making just 1 of 3 attempts.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 12, 2026 in the second round of the ACC tournament.
  • Louisville and SMU were tied 26-26 at halftime.

The players

Ryan Conwell

A Louisville player who scored 5 of his 16 points in the final 1:17 to help the Cardinals hold off SMU.

Jaron Pierre Jr.

The leading scorer for SMU with 17 points, including 5 made 3-pointers.

Mikel Brown Jr.

A standout freshman for Louisville who did not play in this game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

Louisville will face third-seeded Miami in the quarterfinals on Thursday. SMU will await its NCAA Tournament fate on Selection Sunday.

The takeaway

This win keeps Louisville's ACC tournament hopes alive, but the close call against SMU highlights the Cardinals' vulnerability without their standout freshman Mikel Brown Jr. For SMU, the loss is a missed opportunity to boost their NCAA Tournament resume, leaving them firmly on the bubble heading into the big dance.