The Louisville Cardinals secured a hard-fought 76-73 victory over Clemson in the ACC Tournament semifinals on Friday night, but the game was not without controversy. Many fans and analysts believe the referees missed several key calls, including a crucial no-call in the final seconds that could have changed the outcome.
Despite the heated moments, the Cardinals’ balanced offensive attack propelled them to the championship game against top-seeded Duke.
The Controversial No-Call That Sealed the Win
With 22 seconds remaining, Clemson’s Chase Hunter drove to the basket in an attempt to tie the game. Louisville forwards Aboubacar Traore and James Scott contested the shot, with Scott pressing against Hunter’s left shoulder and Traore making contact as he blocked the shot. However, no foul was called, and Hunter was credited with a turnover.
If a foul had been called, Hunter would have attempted two free throws that could have tied the score. Hunter was 4-for-4 from the free throw line on Friday and entered the game as the ACC’s fourth-best free-throw shooter at 86.3%.
What a BRUTAL end to the ACC Tournament for Clemson 😬pic.twitter.com/h48sxUYHUA
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 15, 2025
When asked about the controversial no-call after the game, Hunter simply stated, “That’s not up to me. I tried to make a play, and it didn’t go my way.” His response reflects the frustration of Clemson players and fans, who felt the officiating played a role in the outcome.
While the officiating will be a talking point, Louisville’s well-rounded performance cannot be ignored. The Cardinals had four players scoring in double digits, showcasing their depth and ability to share the offensive load. Their efficient scoring and defensive stops down the stretch allowed them to maintain their lead in the closing moments.
Head coach Pat Kelsey’s No. 2-seeded squad now advances to the ACC Championship game, where they are taking on No. 1-seeded Duke. This win over Clemson, a Quad 1 victory, strengthens Louisville’s NCAA Tournament resume and builds momentum for March Madness.
Clemson’s Strong Season Still Leads to March Madness
Despite the loss, Clemson finishes with a 27-6 record and is still a lock for the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers had hopes of securing a higher seed by winning the ACC Championship, especially with Duke missing star freshman Cooper Flagg, but the loss to Louisville prevents them from making that final push.
Clemson put up a tough fight, but questionable officiating and missed opportunities ultimately cost them the game. Still, the Tigers remain a dangerous team heading into March Madness, capable of making a deep run.
Louisville’s semifinal win comes on the heels of their largest comeback of the season in the quarterfinals. On Thursday, the Cardinals erased a 15-point deficit with 14:32 remaining in regulation and stunned their opponent with Chucky Hepburn’s buzzer-beater from the left elbow, sealing a 75-73 win.
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Louisville responded with a more consistent effort throughout the game, avoiding another major deficit and controlling the pace against Clemson.
With this win, Louisville earns a shot at an ACC Championship against No. 1 Duke. The Blue Devils, missing Cooper Flagg, are still a formidable opponent, and the Cardinals will need another strong performance to take home the title.
As for Clemson, their focus now shifts to preparing for the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to shake off this loss and make a deep postseason run. While Louisville’s win over Clemson was impressive, the controversy surrounding the officiating ensures this game will be remembered for more than just the final score.
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