Last night our #4 ranked Cards won their first Big East basketball game for their 8th straight victory putting away the Providence Friars 80-62 in front of 21,305 fans at the KFC Yum Center. The Big East opener is a big deal but last night it was an appetizer to the much-anticipated Sugar Bowl. I do not think I have ever wanted a basketball game to be over so quickly. And folks were running to the exits of the Yum Center to get to the local watering holes to watch the big football game.
Providence came out swinging last night and jumped out to an early 10-point lead but unlike the last few seasons Louisville can give up early double-digit leads and has the offensive firepower to fight back. And fight back they did hitting 15 of 33 for a 37-31 halftime lead. Our Cards then got into a 3-point groove making five of their first six attempts in the second half, including three during a decisive 14-0 run. They made seven of 18 threes in all. Who would have thought that the offense would be this productive and according to Coach Pitino this far ahead of the defense this early in the season.
Coach Pitino: “We’re continuing to win with offense, But our defense is nowhere near where we want it to be.” “Once our defense catches up to our offense, we have a chance to be a really special team.”
A big reason for the Cards offensive output this season is Russ Smith. Last night he had another big game coming off the bench scoring 23 points, grabbing 4 rebounds with 3 assist. He was 4-5 from 3-point range. It was an impressive offensive night for the Cards as four other players would score in double digits. Chane with 10 points , Peyton with 10 points, Luke with 11 points, and Gorgui with 11 points. Gorgui had his first double double of the season as he also had 11 rebounds. The Cards had 22 assist and only 8 turnovers. Wayne and Kevin had a few good plays between them but I still don’t think they have reached anywhere near their potential this season. And I know I keep harping on these guys but it’s only because I know we will need their efforts if we are to win a National Title.
And I know that Coach said that the offense is ahead of the defense but it wasn’t awful. The Cards forced the Friars into 16 turnovers and scored 27 points off them. They also had 10 steals. Our backcourt players had their share of foul trouble again in this one as Ware had 3, Smith had 3 and Siva had 4. Really hope to see this area improve in the next couple of weeks.
Cards will get this weekend off then head to New Jersey next Wednesday for a battle with Seton Hall.
