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Louisville Basketball: Cardinals likely punched NCAA Tournament ticket after Florida State victory

By Layton Goforth

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 12: Dave Padgett, acting head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, talks to Ray Spalding
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 12: Dave Padgett, acting head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, talks to Ray Spalding /
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Louisville survived a second half comeback from Florida State to advance in the NCAA Tournament. Did the Cardinals also survive the bubble in the process?

Louisville entered today’s showdown with Florida State knowing they were likely playing with their post-season hopes on the line and for the most part showed up in impressive fashion on both ends of the court.

The Cardinals used two momentum-swinging first-half runs to create separation that the Seminoles were never able to overcome.

For Louisville, the contributions came from the likely suspects, Deng Adel, Quentin Snider, and Ray Spalding who has been a bright spot all season.

Florida State could not get anything going on the offensive end until late in the second half. For the Seminoles, PJ Savoy and Trent Forrest led the way with 14 points apiece.

Louisville is currently an 11-seed in Busting Brackets most recent  Bracketology update, but with a loss likely could have found themselves on the outside looking in.

So, what is next for Louisville?

The Cardinals will face 1-seed Virginia Thursday at 12 P.M.

There is sure to be plenty buzz surrounding this matchup considering the way their last matchup ended with Virginia overcoming a four-point deficit in the final second.

Louisville should have solidified a spot in the field of sixty-eight after today’s game but have the chance to move up on the seed line with an upset of the Cavaliers.

The Cardinals have still only managed one win against Virginia since joining the ACC, so that could be a tall order.

What does the loss mean for the Seminoles?

Some said that today was a must-win for both teams if they wanted to guarantee a tournament spot.

Florida State currently sits on the 9 seed line in our most recent bracketology update.

Next: 2018 ACC Tournament Breakdown

The Seminoles might be feeling some pressure between now and Sunday, but a drop from a 9 seed to out of the field would seem harsh when the loss was to a fellow tournament team.

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