The #12 Cards (19-5, 7-4 Big East) will return to the court on Thursday night to face St Johns (15-9, 7-5 Big East). The Cards will be looking to get the bad taste out of their mouth from the grueling five overtime loss against Notre Dame on Saturday and The Red Storm will be looking for another quality win to add to their resume in what has been a roller coaster of a season for them. Louisville leads the all-time series in this rivalry 11-2. The Cards are 6-2 since the teams started playing in the Big East in 2006. The Cards have won the last two meetings against the Red
Storm.

Steve Lavin’s team was extremely young last year, and though it isn’t exactly grizzled this season, the Red Storm is building toward prosperity with a second consecutive solid recruiting class and the construction of a roster with talent at every position. Even though the roster is young and inexperienced, there are plenty of pieces to allow the Johnnies to play fast or slow, to spread the floor and fire away or to rough it up inside. As you would expect out of a young group this team has been very inconsistent this season. They have had really bad losses to teams like UNC-Asheville and San Francisco. And they have also had some pretty good wins over UCONN and Georgetown. Now they find themselves needing a really good win or two to get back in the conversation of the Ncaa Tourney. They haven’t made an assault on the conference’s upper reaches, not with 11 underclassmen on the roster but out of Lavin’s crop of eight newcomers there have been some players who have made a big impact this year. And that has made St. John’s quite a formidable foe at this point in the season. They have a really solid interior defense and can get after you on the defensive end of the floor. They are 6th in the Big East in field goal percentage defense holding teams to 39.9% on average and 9th in 3 point field goal percentage defense holding teams to 32.7% per game. They are second in all of NCAA Division I basketball and 1st in the Big East in blocked shots averaging 5.8 a game. Seven different Red Storm players have blocked a shot this season. They are ranked 6th in the Big East in steals averaging 6.9 a game. The Red Storm is averaging only 11.3 turnovers per game, a mark that ranks 4th among Big East programs and tied for 23rd in the nation. Their +2.92 turnover margin is 4th in the conference and 38th nationally, up from a +1.28 mark in 2011-12.
The Red Storm also rank nationally 160th with 68 points per game, 104th with 36.5 rebounds per game, 187th with 12.6 assist per game and 191st shooting 43% from the field per game. Kenpom has their adj efficiency on offense at 101.3 ranked 151st nationally. He has their adj efficiency on defense at 93.1 ranked 65th nationally. They currently have a 55 RPI and are in 9th place in the Big East.

In-conference offense: 3pt-27.8%, 2pt-41.2%, FT-65.1%
In-conference defense: Turnovers-14.2pg, Steals-6.9pg, Blocks-5.8pg

Coach Steve Lavin: “We’re probably a year ahead of schedule in terms of where we are personnel-wise.” “We have a full complement of scholarship players, but we have 11 underclassmen, and all of our players have one year or less of Division I experience. It’s the youngest team I’ve coached. It’s the youngest team in school history.”

The Red Storm Players:

-Projected Starters

Jakarr Sampson FR (14.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.1 apg) 6.8 F is a skilled and athletically dynamic basketball player with the ability to influence the game at both ends of the floor. His ability to create off the dribble, slash to the basket and finish at the rim gives him distinction among his peers. He just earned a conference best sixth Big East Rookie of the Week award, the league announced on Monday. He leads Big East freshmen in both scoring (14.8 ppg, 13th overall) and rebounding (6.6 rpg, 11th overall). His rejections (1.2, 11th) and defensive rebounds per game (4.6, eighth) are listed among the Big East Conference leaders.

Sir’Dominic Pointer SOPH (6.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.9 blkpg) 6-5 G/F is one of the most athletic and tenacious defenders in the Big East. He has offensive skills that allow him to play at the shooting guard, small forward and power forward positions. He is 14th in the Big East in rebounding, 7th in defensive rebounding and 15th in steals.

D’Angelo Harrison SOPH (18.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.1 apg) 6-3 G is a long-range bomber known for his dead-eye accuracy and ability to get to the rim. He’s an athletic and versatile scorer who possesses both great range and great confidence. He ranks 10th in the Big East in scoring and 7th in 3 point field goals made at 1.9 per game. He also ranks 10th in the league in minutes played at 36 a game. He shoots 40.7% from the field, 31.7% from the 3 point line and 78.5% from the free throw line.

Phil Greene IV SOPH (8.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.8 apg) 6-2 G is known for his quickness and playmaking skills on offense and in transition. He is a floor general with the ability to get into the lane pull up, dish and create for others. He’s a hard-nosed defender who adds length and speed to “Chicago toughness” and has the ability to guard all perimeter positions. He is shooting 35.5% from the field, 24.4% from the free throw line and 75% from the free throw line.

Marco Bourgault SOPH (2.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.1 blkpg) 6-6 G/F is junior college transfer who is a shooter who helps the Red Storm spread the floor and make room for its enhanced front-court contingent. Although he suffered a serious knee injury two years ago, Bourgault has completely healed and provides quality minutes. He shoots 34.5% from the field and 36.6 from the 3 point line.

-Bench

Amir Garrett SOPH (6.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 0.3 blkpg) 6-6 G/F who possesses superior athleticism. He’s a tenacious offensive threat who specializes in transition with hard drives to the rim that result in show-stopping dunks. He’s also a hard-nosed defender who has a penchant for swatting away shots. He shoots 47.1% from the field, 33.3% from the 3 point line and 53.6% from the free throw line.

Felix Balamou FR (2.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.4 apg) 6-4 G is an athletic wing with game-changing athleticism. He’s a dynamic scorer and finisher that possesses limitless athleticism and basketball smarts. His floor game is described as meteorically-rising and is known for his above-the-rim style of play. He shoots 44.4% from the field and 88.9% from the free throw line.

Christian Jones FR (2.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.4 apg) 6-7 F a wide-framed, rugged athlete. He owns standout offensive and defensive abilities from the low blocks. He’s a versatile and mature athlete that plays above the rim and rebounds with aggression at both ends of the floor. He shoots 45.5% from the field and 45.5% from the free throw line.

Chris Obekpa FR (3.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.2 apg) 6-9 F/C is an intimidating shotblocker and defensive game-changer. He was a consensus top 100 player overall and top 20 center by national recruiting services. He craves defense but boasts an offensive post-up game as well. He’s a powerful and aggressive rebounder. He’s an outstanding finisher with a developing 15-foot jumper. STJ is paced by Obekpa ranks as the conference leader in blocks after already setting a new Big East freshman record. With 102 rejections an average of 4.3 per game he is second among all NCAA Division I players in blocked shots. He has more rejections than 266 DI teams.

No doubt about it Cards fans this is a dangerous team. Their front court group is very impressive and they will make Gorgui, Chane and Wayne work for every basket they get. I expect Montrezl and Van Treese to play a bigger role due to physical nature of this game. Our starters are gonna need the rest after banging around with this group. This will be a good game for Russ and Peyton to shake off that last loss. Their experience should pay off against a much younger and inexperienced back court group of the Red Storm. And nothing like getting a respectable win in front of the home crowd to get things back on track. We all need this win and I’m very confident we will get it. This Red Storm group is gonna be hungry and very competitive but the more experienced Cards and the crowd in the KFC Yum Center will wear on these young guys mentally.

The Beak Prediction:
Louisville 78 St Johns 69

Wednesday is going to be a exciting evening as our new football recruits will make it official on National Signing day. The 11th ranked Louisville basketball team (18-4, 6-3 Big East) will also be in action in New Jersey at the RAC to face Rutgers (12-8, 3-6 Big East).

Last season Coach Mike Rice’s team had seven freshmen and only one senior on the roster. The calendar has turned and freshmen are now sophomores. Rutgers has taken a step forward this season but it hasn’t been a great leap. There has been some progress thanks to the team’s maturation and the arrivals of a pair of transfers who brought experience and toughness. The Scarlet Knights have good guards and can score. Rutgers is 9th in the Big East in Field goal percentage at 41.2% per game, 5th in 3 point percentage at 34.5% per game, and 4th in free-throw percentage at 73.7% per game. They also rank 8th in the Big East in 3 point shots made at 5.6 per game. Their biggest problem is sharing and taking better care of the ball. Their assist/turnover ratio in the Big East is ranked 14th. They are only averaging 11.7 assist per game to 14.8 turnovers with a ratio of 0.8. They also struggle at times on defense and working on the glass to seal defensive possessions. They are ranked 9th in the Big East in rebounding margin at +0.2, 13th in the in turnover margin at -3.11, and 11th in steals at 6.1 per game. They have too many possession battles, giving up too many turnovers and second shots.
They are ranked nationally 163rd in points per game at 67.9, 163rd in rebounds per game at 35.3, 161st in assist per game at 13 and 87th in field goal percentage per game at 45.1%. Kenpom has their adj efficiency on offense at 104.2 ranked 102, and their adj efficiency on defense at 97.2 ranked 122. He has them ranked 103 overall. Their current RPI is 64 and they are in 11th place in the Big East.

In-conference offense: 3pt-34.5%, 2pt-41.2%, FT-73.7%
In-conference defense: Turnovers-11.7pg, Steals-6.1pg, Blocks-2.8pg

Coach Mike Rice: “Our first year here, we had just seven scholarship players and no inside presence,””Then last year, we had all those babies. Now, we’ve got to score in the paint. We have to get to the foul line and learn to make plays in the last four minutes of games. We’re built to do that now.”

The Scarlet Knight Players:

-Projected Starters

Wally Judge JR (7.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.1 apg) 6-9 F is a Kansas State transfer who brings needed experience, leadership and size to the equation. He ranks 8th in field goal percentage at 51.9%. He is somewhat of a liability from the free throw line shooting 44.2%.

Kadeem Jack SOPH (5.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.2 apg) 6-9 F redshirt Sophmore has struggled at Rutgers and learning how to work while getting banged around and being strong when going after the ball hasn’t come easy to Jack. He is shooting 46.6% from the field, and 64.9% from the free throw line.

Dane Miller SR (7.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.0 blkpg) 6-6 G/F When he plays to his strengths, he can be one of the best rebounding wings in the Big East. But he struggles with being consistent. He shoots 48.7% from the field, 17.6% from the free throw line and 67.4% from the free throw line.

Mike Poole JR (4.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.1 apg) 6-5 G he has an all-around offensive game and is the leader if this Rutgers team. He is shooting 36.7% from the field, 32% from the 3 point line and 61.1% from the free throw line.

Jerome Seagears SOPH (5.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.4 apg) 6-1 G He leads the team in assist but he’s not a true point man. The Knights don’t really have one of those, so they allow their guards to do a little of everything. While Seagears can shoot with range and pass, he struggles to make the right decisions at times. He shoots 34.9% from the field, 37.5% from the 3 point line and 70% from the free throw line.

-Bench

Austin Johnson SR (5.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.6 apg) 6-8 F is a solid contributor who lost his part-time starter role to Judge and is used as a reliable backup, albeit one who probably needs to be more aggressive on the boards. He shoots 55.4% from the field and 58.1% from the free throw line.

Eli Carter SOPH (15.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.3 apg) 6-2 G He is one of of Rutgers top returning scorers. He has the ability to score inside and out, distribute and play some sticky D. He is shooting 38.2% from the field, 29.2% from the 3 point line and 90.2% from the free throw line.

Malick Kone SOPH (2.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.2 apg) 6-5 F He plays limited minutes but when in the game he is Rutgers most consistent perimeter shooter. He is shooting 48.8% from the field, and 66.7% from the free throw line.

Myles Mack SOPH (12.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.5 apg) 5-9 G is one of those guys that comes off the bench and gives his team some major offensive output. He shoots 50.9% from the field, 46.1% from the 3 point line and is excellent from the free throw line at 93.8%.

Derrick Randall SOPH (1.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.0 apg) 6-8 F/C Rice call him the most improved player on his roster. When in the game he is a decent scorer and good rebounder. He shoots 46.7% from the field and 83.3% from the free throw line.

The game will be played Wednesday at the RAC. The RAC is renowned for being one of the loudest arenas in college basketball when at maximum capacity. The trapezoidal design of the building allows the crowd noise to resonate, creating a deafening environment. The RAC has even been described as being “louder than a 747 at Newark Airport.” ESPN’s Jay Bilas has lauded the RAC, saying, “The Scarlet Knights play great there, and the crowd is right on top of you and intimidating.” – (wikipedia)

With that being said it is the only advantage that Rutgers will have on Wednesday night against our Cardinals. The Scarlet Knights are moving in the right direction, but they remain young and lack the experience to make any kind of real run. We have the better team in all facets of the game. After the Cards 3 game stumble they seem to be back on the right track. I look for big games from our back-court of Siva and Smith as their experience and leadership will take over this game from the less experienced and younger back-court of the Scarlet Knights. We will also hold a distinguished advantage over their front-court. Dieng, and Behanan especially as they are much more physical than any of the Scarlet Knight players. This one should be an easy victory for the Cards and they should win this one going away.

The Beak Prediction:
Louisville 75 Rutgers 57

It’s going to be a super Sunday in the Yum Center when the #25 Marquette Golden Eagles (15-4, 6-1 Big East) come to town to face our #12 Louisville Cardinals (17-4, 5-3 Big East). This series began in 1951 and the programs have met at least once each year since 1996. Our Cards have claimed seven of the last nine outings, including last year’s quarterfinal contest (84-71) in the Big East Conference Championship. These teams have faced off a total of 78 times in program history, with the Cardinals owning a 42-26 overall advantage.

Marquette lost a lot of production last season but have plenty of depth at the guard position, and intriguing players all over the floor. It’s a really interesting, and versatile team. Somehow Buzz Williams always finds a way for his team to function. The Golden Eagles apply full-court pressure and play a fast-paced brand of basketball. They play hard and do most things well, but they don’t do anything great and can be erratic at times on both ends of the floor. They are ranked in the top 5 in several Big East categories 3rd in scoring offense 69.6pg, 4th in scoring margin at +6.0, 5th in field goal percentage 43.7%pg, 3rd in field goal percentage defense 38.4%pg, 4th in rebounding offense at 36.4, 3rd in rebounding defense at 31.3, 1st in rebounding margin at +5.1, 5th in blocked shots at 4.3pg, 3rd in assist/turnover ratio at 1.3 and 3rd in defensive rebounding at 26.3. Year after year this team scores points, and their defense has ranged from average to good. This team is ranked nationally 108th in points per game at 70.1, 156th in rebounding per game at 35.6, 63rd in assist per game at 14.9 and 48th on field goal percentage at 46.3%. Kenpom has their adj efficiency on offense at 112.0 ranked 12th and their adj efficiency on defense at 92.9 ranked 67th. He has them ranked 25th overall. They are tied for first place in the Big East and their current RPI is 17. A win over the Golden Eagles on Sunday would give the Cards their highest value win of the year. They are currently 0-2 vs RPI top 25.

In-conference offense: 3pt-26.1%, 2pt-43.7%. FT-72.9%
In-conference defense: Turnovers-13.3pg, Steals-7.1pg, Blocks-3.8

Coach Buzz Williams: “I am not sure we have a go-to guy, but I do think as a unit, we have a variety of ways we can function.”

The Golden Eagle Players:

-Projected Starters

Juan Anderson SOPH (3.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.1 apg) 6-6 F played in 24 games last season, underwent shoulder surgery in May. He can use his lanky frame to defend bigger wings and smaller post players, allowing Buzz the freedom he loves with switchable defenders. His FG%-41.4%, 3pt%-36%, FT%-54.2%

Chris Otule SR (4.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 0.1 apg) 6-11 C is a true center who is counted on this season for rebounding, shot blocking and post defense. His FG%-60%, FT%-50% and he has 57 rebounds with 17 blocked shots on the season.

Junior Cadougan SR (8.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.3 apg) 6-1 G has logged a lot of possessions as Marquette’s pass-always point guard, and he filled that role as the starter last year. He doesn’t look for his own shot, but he finds his teammates in the best possible spot while taking care of the basketball. He is 12th in the Big East in assist at 3.9 a game, 4th in assist/turnover ratio. His FG%-43.5%, 3pt%-20%, FT%-76%

Trent Lockett SR (7.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.7 apg) 6-5 G played three seasons at Arizona State before returning closer to home to finish his career in Milwaukee. In his last season as a Sun Devil he was his team’s leading scorer and had a great year shooting the ball. His FG%-38.1%, 3pt%-28.6%, FT%-73.7%

Vander Blue JR (14.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.8 apg) 6-4 G has continued to progress throughout his career on both ends of the floor. And he is having a breakout season this year. He had 30 points in the last game against USF and has reached double-figures in nine straight games plus 12 of last 13. He is 7th in the Big East in scoring. His FG%-45.3%, 3pt%-32.4%, FT%-72.2%

-Bench

Jamil Wilson JR (8.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.6 apg) 6-7 F an athletic small forward who has made strides with the team since transferring from Oregon after his freshman season. The team leader in blocked shots last season and has 16 this season. His FG%-48.4%, 3pt%-36.6%, FT%-80.6%

Jake Thomas JR (2.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.7 apg) 6-3 G sat out last year after transferring from South Dakota and has a decent perimeter game. His FG%-31.6%, 3pt%-28.1%, FT%-71%

Davante Gardner JR (12.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.8 apg) the team’s top returning scorer. He does the job of carrying the load inside. He is 19th in the Big East in scoring, 12th in rebounding, 5th in field goal percentage, 4th in free-throw percentage and 10th in blocked shots. His FG%-57.7%, FT%-84.8%

Todd Mayo SOPH (6.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.1 apg) 6-3 G the brother of NBA star O.J. Mayo. Mayo returns as the team’s most prolific 3-point marksman. His FG%-35.1%, 3pt-30.4%, FT-77.8%

Derrick Wilson SOPH (1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.0 apg) 6-1 G he gets his work done on the defensive end of the floor when he is in the game. He had a higher ratio of steals to minutes played than anyone on the team last season except Crowder. He has 14 steals this season in 278 minutes played. His FG%-35.1%, 3pt%-25%, FT-47.1%

Buzz Williams has a system of high-pressure defense and high-octane offense where baskets are scored in transition and everyone contributes. Does this sound familiar? Our Cards match up very well with the Golden Eagles and always have because their styles of play are so similar. I think our players thrive in these types of games. In an up-tempo, faster game with chaotic full-court pressure, Siva should thrive. His speed and defensive ability allow him to have an impact on a game without scoring. I also expect Russ to be in full throttle. Dieng and Behanan should have big games in this one and I look for Blackshear to play well in his return game back. This is a big mid-season match-up and I expect our Cards to win in a very exciting game.

The Beak Prediction:
Louisville 80 Marquette 73