(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The 89th chapter of the Louisville and Memphis rivalry has been written and undoubtably it will be title “The Memphis Blues” after the Cards lost to the Tigers 73 to 67. The Cardinals still maintain a comfortable lead in this series 53-35 and had won four straight in the series, but this one tonight was a important game for conference implications and resume implications. The Cardinals head into Sunday’s AAC game with SMU still in need of a signature win.

Not many things to celebrate in this game and our Cardinals just look lost on the court. I would best describe it as if you tried to run a world class thoroughbred without the blinders on in a big race. Just like that horse our guys have no clear direction when they are playing in these tough games. They have the talent and the ability to overcome their lack of direction when they play teams with less talent, but in games where teams can match their talent and ability they can’t slide by. This team had enough of an obstacle to overcome losing the guy who was their leader in Peyton Siva, but add to that the Chane drama along with Kevin now being out for the season, and it really has overwhelmed these guys. Russ and Luke aren’t being leaders on the court and this team just doesn’t have an identity. They must get back to basics and refocus or it could be a long year.

Luke Hancock had a season-high 20 points to lead the team and it looked like he might be starting to find his groove, but still needs to be a more vocal leader on the floor. Russ Smith had 19 points moving him to 19th on UofL career scoring list with 1,520 total points. He also had 4 steals moving him into 6th place on UofL career steal list. I think Russ needs to focus on what he needs to do to help this team win games and stop focusing on what he needs to do to impress the NBA scouts. Teams success should be his first goal. Montrezl Harrell had 14 points and is a force on the offensive end of the court. He just needs to duplicate that on the defensive end.

Memphis was more physical and more aggressive for most of the game and it showed not only on the floor but the box score as well. They out rebounded the Cards 37 to 35, and out scored them in the paint 42 to 34. You aren’t going to see a Louisville team get out hustled too many times but they did tonight and it was a big reason they lost this game. Usually they are the team that takes over after wearing down the other team but tonight those roles were reversed and it was Memphis who put their foot on the gas and closed this game out in a flurry.

Like most Cardinal fans I’m extremely disappointed by this teams play, but when you take an objective look it’s easy to understand why. I don’t think its time to toss in the towel, but it is the third round and Louisville has one eye swelling shut after this one. We need to come out swinging to avoid the TKO and I am confident in coach Pitino’s ability to get them going. Just hope these guys can start to believe in themselves.

Rick Pitino following Memphis loss:

U of L senior Luke Hancock after a loss to Memphis:

U of L guard Russ Smith after a loss to Memphis:

Montrezl Harrell following Memphis loss: