Today was a battle of birds in the KFC Yum Center. The Redbirds battled the Cardinals toe-to-toe and blow for blow in a game that ended with ISU attempting a last second 3 point shot that fell just short. It was our #5 Louisville Cardinals that came out on top 69-66.

Coach Pitino: “You guys don’t believe me because I tell you how great bad teams are, but this team, the Missouri Valley Conference, is terrific.”

If Card Nation had any questions about what Gorgui Dieng means to this team they were answered today. Not only did the cards struggle at times to get in any type of offensive set they also struggled to stop ISU’s top two guys from having big days. Jackie Carmichael and Tyler Brown combined for 45 points, 14 rebounds in very impressive fashion. ISU was able to jump out to a 14 to 2 lead and made 12 of 13 shots from inside the arc as they built a 33-25 lead at half time. I do believe that this was a direct result from not having our big guy anchoring the middle of the defense. I do have to give a lot of credit to Stephan Van Treese. The guy stepped up big time today. He was all over the floor grabbing 8 rebounds, with 2 blocked shots, 2 steals and 6 points. Over the last two games he is averaging 7 points, 8 boards and is shooting 88% from the field. Without his effort today we lose this game.

We also had big days from Chane Behanan, Peyton Siva and Russ Smith. Chane was a beast on the boards grabbing 9 rebounds and most of them coming when the Cards needed them the most. Peyton played the role of All-American candidate today as he went 4-9 from 3 point range scoring 20 points while dishing out 4 assist. And like Chane’s rebounds Peyton’s 3’s came at very critical moments in the game. Russ was the player of the game. And what more can I say about this kid that hasn’t already been said a thousand times this season? We are a top 15-20 type team without Gorgui, and without Russ Smith this team would be around the top 50. That’s how important this young man has become. He had 24 points and was a workhorse today creating plays for himself when the offense was struggling to find any kind of rhythm. And this is very evident in the box score as Russ was 11-14 from the free-throw line. “Russdiculous” has lead this team from the first tip of the ball this year and is putting together a All-American type season for himself.

Coach Pitino: “Russ is a pretty special basketball player. Who goes behind the back to make a move with the game on the line? He has no fear.”

My honorable mention for this game is going to go out to Luke Hancock. He didn’t have any points but he did grab 5 rebounds including several off of our missed free-throws. He has a quick first move in the lane and always seems to get a hand on the ball. He also had 4 assist.

Wayne Blackshear and Kevin Ware were pretty much no shows today. They combined for 5 rebounds and no points. I’m still waiting to see the Wayne Blackshear that was in New Orleans last year. And am beginning to wonder if I will see that guy again. Maybe he is just a “big game” player, or maybe he just hasn’t found his rhythm. Whatever the case may be I really do want to see him get it going. And all summer we hear about the great improvement of Kevin Ware. And during those Red & White games I thought we were going to see this kid really have a break out year. But so far he has been the biggest liability on the court. I find myself gasping when he has the ball in his hands. He plays too fast, is trying too hard and seems like he is forcing things at times. I’m confident that Coach Pitino has told him to slow down and let the game come to him, so I’m gonna remain optimistic for now. I really do want to see these guys get things going as I’m sure the rest of you do. They are critical players and their production will be vital to a deep run in March.

Coach Pitino: “You’ve got to be a pretty tough basketball team to win when the other team shoots 52 percent.”