For only the second time all season, Wichita State lost after leading at the half and unfortunately for them it came during the biggest game of the year. Leading 26-25 at the half, the Shockers couldn’t sustain the Louisville offense in the second half as the Cardinals put up 47 en route to a 72-68 victory in the Final Four.
Down by as many as 12 in the second half the Luke Hancock took the game over for the Cardinals coming off the bench to score 14 of his 20 points providing Louisville with a much needed spark. In addition Hancock was able to five straight points to pad the Cardinal lead and they wouldn’t look back on the upset minded Shockers.
Louisville’s Russ Smith and Peyton Silva each had tough night’s shooting from the field Silva was just 1 of 9 for 7 points while Smith was able to overcome the slow start finishing with 21 points on 6 of 17 from the field.
Wichita State though showed their resolve refusing to go down as forwards Cleanthony Early and Carl Hall answered with several made baskets in the waning minutes. However Hancock was able to tie up guard Ron Barker 6.3 seconds remaining giving the Cardinals possession and the game.
