Louisville will go after its second straight win on Saturday when its hosts Miami in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup. However, the Cardinals may have to do it without one of the league’s best players.
Coach Pat Kelsey told reporters Friday that point guard Chucky Hepburn is day-to-day with a groin injury he suffered in Wednesday’s victory at Boston College.
A senior who played his first three years at Wisconsin, Hepburn leads Louisville (17-6, 10-2 ACC) in scoring (15 points per game) and assists (6.2 per game). He also tops the ACC with 2.3 steals per game and ranks in the top 20 nationally in assists and steals.
Hepburn left the Boston College game less than five minutes into the second half after his layup gave Louisville a 48-39 lead. His absence was not an issue, as the Cardinals won 84-58 with Terrence Edwards Jr. (19 points, eight rebounds, six assists) and J’Vonne Hadley (22 points on 8-of-12 shooting) picking up the slack.
Edwards was the Sun Belt Player of the Year last season for James Madison.
“We have two point guards on the floor all the time,” Kelsey said Friday. “Terrence can play on the ball, off the ball. He did a great job stepping up for us and leading us on the floor like all really good point guards do.”
The Hurricanes (5-17, 1-10) had the week off after ending a 10-game losing streak last Saturday with a 63-57 home victory over Notre Dame. It was Miami’s second win in its last 19 games.
Not having played since Saturday should help the Hurricanes against Louisville, interim coach Bill Courtney said earlier this week.
“Because we won, I think our guys will have a lot of confidence, a lot of energy and practice the next few days,” he explained. “It gives us a chance to really prepare for our next opponent.”
Matthew Cleveland led the Hurricanes with 21 points in the win over the Fighting Irish. He’s been one of the ACC’s best scorers since Duke held him to two points on Jan. 14. In his last five games, the senior guard has averaged 26.4 ppg and shot 56.1 percent.
Miami, though, will still be without Nijel Pack, who has missed the last two months with a right ankle injury. Courtney said the senior guard is no longer wearing a boot but will not be able to play at Louisville.
–Field Level Media
