Coach Chris Mack was mentally preparing his halftime remarks with his team falling farther behind during the first half against Wake Forest, the last place team in the ACC (Cindy Rice Shelton photos)>

One has to conclude that Lamarr Kimble has become comfortable now with his role on the University of Louisville basketball team, following UofL’s hard fought 86-76 win over Wake Forest.

Ryan McMahon makes good on this 3-point attempt and a free throw for a four-point trip during a second half comeback (Cindy Rice Shelton photo).

Kimble, a graduate transfer who was a co-captain for three seasons and a two-year starter at St. Joseph’s, played a key role in Louisville’s 21st win before a crowd of 15,270 at the KFC Yum! Center.

He would score UofL’s first four points in the second half, sending a signal that the Cardinals weren’t going to roll over. Reducing the deficit to 11 points and changing the momentum of the game. Five minutes later, he was pulling a rebound, throwing a full-length court pass to Jordan Nwora, his teammate making the dunk that would give Louisville the lead.

Jordan Nwora the leading scorer for Louisville with 21 points, including the dunk that capped a comeback in the second half (Cindy Rice Shelton photo).

That go-ahead pass to Nwora following a 3-point goal by Ryan McMahon, the player Kimble replaced a few games ago. McMahon was fouled on the play, hitting the free throw for a four-point trip.

Kimble has played with increasing confidence in recent games, affirming the trust Coach Chris Mack has instilled in him. He is beating the college basketball odds, retaining his starting position despite some impressive performances by freshman David Johnson.

Kimble scored a total of 14 points, grabbed four rebounds and was credited with four assists.

Nwora would lead all scorers with 21 points, making five of eight from deep and six of 12 overall. Dwayne Sutton added 15 points and 11 rebounds, McMahon 12 points and Steven Enoch and Malike Williams 11 points apiece. 

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.