(Photo cred USA Today)
The Cards went on the road tonight needing a quality win and they got it beating the Huskies 76-64. This was a game in the newly formed AAC but it had that Big East feel. It was a treat watching these teams go at it in the main event of ESPN’s college basketball day. And even better that our guys got the win. UConn hadn’t lost at Gampel Pavilion since being beaten by a point in double overtime by Georgetown last season. The Cardinals have now won seven of the last eight matchups against the Huskies and three of last four in Storrs. Louisville is now 5-1 in conference play and they have started at least 5-1 in league play for the fifth time in Rick Pitino’s 13 years with the Cardinals (also 2003, 04, 05, 09). The win tonight also gave coach Pitino his 680th victory.
It was great seeing the Cardinals follow up the great effort they had on Thursday night. Coach Pitino said in his post game that the win tonight was “a great collective effort.” With this team that’s what it is going to take every night they hit the floor. They have put together two great wins and they did it playing together and playing to their strengths. Russ Smith led the way with 23 points tonight but it was far from a flawless effort from the Russdiculous one. Coach Pitino told Paul Rodgers after the game that he was going to ask for “a million dollar raise” after coaching Russ tonight. I’ll give him the benefit of doubt because his dad was in the building tonight and I think that always messes with him a little. Who wouldn’t want to show out in front of their dad. We’ve all had those moments.
In what coach Pitino called his “best game of the season” Montrezl had his 3rd double-double in the last four games and was in beast mode tonight with 18 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots. He seems to be building confidence with every game the Cards play and he is vital to this teams chances at a March run.
I have raved, written articles, and boasted about Terry Rozier for the last two years and boy has he lived up to everything he was supposed to be. The kid shows so much poise for his age and I have to think his having to grow up fast has a lot to do with that. You can tell he is wise beyond his years on and off the court. Tonight he led the offense in a hostile environment had 5 points, 7 rebounds and only had one turnover in 33 minutes. You hear about quarterback controversy but Louisville has a starting point guard controversy. Competition only makes players better so Jones and Rozier should flourish for the rest of the season.
The old man prowess in Luke Hancock’s game has also returned for its curtain call. He had 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assist tonight and was making some of his patented moves we have grown to love over the last couple of years. I love his game and I’m glad he is back to business as usual.
I really enjoyed this game tonight and when I think about the adversity this team has overcome to get where they are it really makes me feel optimistic about where they are going. I’m not booking any trips to the Dallas area just yet, but I have put my boss on notice that I may need some time off around the first of April. I will never again doubt the magic of Rick Pitino and I think he might have a few tricks left up his sleeve. He obviously has figured out the direction he wants his guys to take. Now it’s just up to them to stay on the path. Go Cards!
Coach Pitino after the win:
