By Sam Draut–
Twenty-fourth ranked Louisville fell to third-ranked Michigan State 71-67 in East Lansing, Michigan on Wednesday after leading for nearly 35 minutes of the game.
Led by fifth-year senior graduate transfer Damion Lee, who finished with 23 points on eight of 15 shooting, Louisville opened up with 13 point first half lead before fading away in the final eight minutes of the game.
Michigan State (8-0) took its first lead of game with 6:47 left in the second half, completing the comeback and then opening up to a decisive 65-58 lead with just under two minutes remaining.
The Cardinals closed the gap to two points in the final minute, but freshman Donovan Mitchell fouled Denzel Valentine who knocked down four consecutive free throws to seal the game. Valentine finished with 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
Along with Lee, fellow fifth-year senior graduate transfer Trey Lewis added the scoring punch with 21 points.
Louisville (5-1) will play Grand Canyon University on Saturday at the KFC Yum! Center
