A time for tying up the loose ends together in a 97-69 win for Louisville over Hofstra.

Getting Chane Behanan back in the fold, enabling Luke Hancock to regain his footing.

Allowing Russ Smith to do what comes naturally, throwing up 26 points in the first half, with five three pointers, finishing with 30 points, squeezing in five assists somewhere between 22 shots.

Marveling about how quickly Chris Jones has made the transition from junior college, making good decisions, finding open teammates, zeroing in on the basket whether behind the arc or beneath the basket, turning in 20 points, seven assists and four steals. Quick, decisive and consistent.

Savoring every moment Montrezl Harrell is on the court, dunk after dunk after dunk, even after the whistle, chewing on that ever-dangling mouth guard. Hoping he gets to be as enthusiastic about rebounding as he does dunking. That 15-foot shot of his will come in handy against good zone defenses. Nineteen points, five rebounds.

Resuming the calming presence of Luke Hancock on the court, showing no signs of the Achille’s injury except for the strips of black tape. Missing three-point attempts from his favorite spot during the NCAA tournament but making two others. Eight points after all those weeks of missing practice.

Combining Stephan Van Treese and Mangok Mathiang for eight rebounds and four points, needing to pick it up if they’re going to replace Gorgui Dieng. Got to happen soon.

Having flashbacks of early season awkwardness from Chane Behanan, knowing how bad he wants to get to the NBA, expecting him to live up to his own expectations, the sooner the better for all affected.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

One thought on “Louisville getting act together in romp over Hofstra”
  1. Probably a good thing we weren’t participating in the Champions Classic, with the pieces just now coming in place. Best thing is we weren’t predicting anything like 40-0.

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