One of the questions in my preview for this game was if the Cards defense would look better and if they would start to adjust things for life without Gorgui. And tonight they looked very good on the defensive end of the floor. From the opening tip, these guys were on their toes with very active feet and hands. The Cards finished with a season-high 18 steals and forced COC into a season-high 27 turnovers. They were only averaging 11 turnovers coming into this game. For as good as the defense did look they still seemed at times to be a little weak down low. COC sophomore C Adjehi Baru was able to have his way in the lane and scored 16 points with 14 rebounds.

Another thing I was looking for tonight was the arrival of Kevin Ware and Wayne Blackshear. And tonight was their coming out party of sorts as Ware finished the game with 9 points, 2 steals and 2 rebounds. Blackshear was the leading scorer with 18 points and was 3-7 from three-point land. It is so important to get these guys going especially without Gorgui in the line-up. I hope this is just the beginning of things to come. The big three for the Cards Siva, Smith, and Behanan also had great nights. Chane finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Russ and Peyton combined for 25 points, 7 assist and 9 steals. And the Cards did a great job getting to the free-throw line and made the shots when they got there. They were 18-20 shooting 90%.