Smith reinjures ankle as Cards fall to Creighton

Mar 20, 2025, 02:32 PM ET Louisville guard Reyne Smith tried to play through injury, however his ideal ankle paved the way in the 2nd half as the Cardinals’ season pertained to an end with an 89-75 loss to Creighton on Thursday.Smith collapsed

into a fetal position with 11:37 left in the Cardinals’ first-round game. He had missed out on Louisville’s previous 4 games due to the injury, sitting out the regular-season ending and all 3 games at the ACC tournament, including the group’s very first appearance in the title game.Editor’s Picks

With Smith curled up on the court and noticeably upset across from the Louisville bench, his colleagues hugged each other while surrounding him. First-year coach Pat Kelsey knelt over Smith before signifying for a towel.Smith put the

towel over his head then was assisted off the court, hardly able to put any weight on his right foot.The senior from Australia started and played 20 minutes before intensifying his hurt ankle. He entrusted to five points.Cardinals swingman Terrence Edwards Jr. stated Smith worked

vigilantly to recuperate in time for Louisville’s very first March Insanity appearance considering that 2019. “Our heart goes out to Reyne, “Edwards said.”We understood he wasn’t one hundred percent, however

what he did today is something I’ll remember forever. He compromised his body and put his body on the line tonight for us, so we might attempt to come out with the win. He understood just how much we needed him.”I’m so happy with him, and he’ll get back ideal for sure. What he did for us today is something that will go a

long way outside of basketball.”The win was Creighton’s fifth straight in the NCAA tournament preliminary. Jamiya Neal scored a career-high 29 points and had

12 rebounds, while Steven Ashworth linked from well beyond the arc on the way to 22 points.Seeking its 4th Sweet 16 look in five years, Creighton(25-10)will play either No. 1 overall seed Auburn or 16th-seeded Alabama State in the 2nd round of the South Region on Saturday.Chucky Hepburn scored 22 points and Terrence Edwards Jr. had 21 for Louisville (27-8 ), which enhanced its record by 19 wins over last season with a transfer-heavy lineup. It was the Cardinals’first March Madness appearance since 2019. The Associated Press added to this report.