Miami made five out of its six free throws in the final minute to secure victory over Louisville in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, but it shot 60.9 percent from the line against the Cardinals on Thursday, entering clutch time. Miami needs to shoot a higher percentage against Virginia in the ACC Tournament Semifinal on Friday.
The Hurricanes made 19 out of 29 free throws in their 78-73 quarterfinal win over Louisville. Clutch time is defined as a five-point margin with five minutes left in the game. Until a Shelton Henderson blocked shot and breakaway dunk to put Miami ahead 78-71 in the final seconds, the game was in clutch time.
Miami shoots 68.0 percent from the free-throw line during the 2025-26 season, which is 325th nationally. The missed free throws by Miami helped keep Louisville in the game. The Hurricanes led for 22:56 against Louisville, with the Cardinals leading for 12:14 in a mostly close game.
Louisville had its biggest lead, 20-13, with 10:55 remaining in the first half after a 10-0 run. The biggest lead for Miami was 61-52 with 8:21 left in the second half. Miami started the second half with a 12-3 run and never trailed after that.
Louisville cut the deficit to one twice, but never tied Miami after the Hurricanes' big run to start the second half. That run and maintaining the lead put Miami in position to win the game on the free-throw line in the last minute. The biggest sequence came with just under a minute left in the game.
After a Malik Reneau dunk with 50 seconds remaining, Tru Washington intercepted the Louisville inbounds pass and was fouled by Ryan Conwell. Washington made both free throws to extend the Miami lead to 73-68 with 58 seconds left in the game.
Miami extended the lead to five with Louisville never getting across half-court. Conwell scored with 45 seconds remaining to cut the Louisville deficit to 73-70. Following a Louisville timeout, Donaldson was fouled and split his two free throws to give Miami another two-possession lead at 74-70.
Isaac McKneely, an 86.0 percent free-throw shooter, was fouled by Donaldson on the next Louisville possession. McKneely made only one of his two free throw attempts to get Louisville within 74-71. Reneau was fouled and made his two free throws, followed by the Henderson dunk to seal the win for Miami.