Apparently LOUISVILLE on the jersey and Rick Pitino on the bench still inspire some teams to play above their heads. Marshall did not look like a team that compiled a 4-3 won-loss record against the likes of Pikeville, East Tennessee State (twice), Rio Grande, Boston U., Wright State and Morehead.
Not a good three-point shooting team, the Thundering Herd hit its first seven three-point attempts against U of L, winding up hitting 10 out of 23 for a 43.5% clip. This was a team that managed only 41 out of 151 three-points attempts in their first seven games.
This was obviously a game Marshall had circled on the schedule. The Cards looked at it as the beginning of a possible five-game win streak, as did the home crowd, mostly annoyed, not overly concerned that the game was tied 37-37 at the half.
U of L’s tradition and the coach’s reputation for winning, while not impressive in recent years, are factors that will continue to invigorate every team on the schedule. The Cards need to recognize that and respond accordingly.
Not sure what you mean by “It was Marshall.” These teams are made up of athletes who want to excel regardless of the school’s past. You can’t automatically relegate teams to the junk heap any more.”
I don’t buy the excuse that teams play inspired against the Cards. It just looks like the Cards don’t play inspired very often anymore. Or maybe it’s that the team is just not that good. It was Marshall for crying out loud, in Freedom Hall. I hope the light goes off soon like it did last year or the Cards could be looking at a sub .500 Big East record.
Maybe annoyed
more grumpy and concerned that we might actually lose to these guys
or that it was even close