University of Louisville basketball fans can come up for air now. Their team is back where UofL belongs, returning to another NCAA Regional championship game, just 40 minutes of heart-stopping action away from another possible Final Four appearance.

Sometimes it seems as if UofL fans are just willing this to happen, hanging on every dribble, every pass, every rebound, every shot, every look, every expression, weathering the rough spots. Rewarded for their perseverance and patience with another memorable tournament run.

Quentin Snider keeps getting better (UofL photo)
Quentin Snider playing with growing confidence. (UofL photo)

Louisville is very much in the hunt, thank you, with a 75-65 win over North Carolina State, in a game that was almost a complete turnaround from the 74-65 loss to the Wolf Pack on Valentine’s Day. Taking them seriously this time, totally focused, sticking together, running the offense, playing through the misses, taking the good ones.

As Assistant Coach Mike Balado testified after the game, there’s no one better than Rick Pitino at getting his players prepared for games, especially the big ones, getting young men to believe in themselves, knowing what to expect from the opposition, showing them how to win.

Pitino had one of those conversations with Anton Gill the other day, letting him know he believed in him despite the lack of playing time, telling him to be ready when his time came. One of those make-a-difference times in a player’s career. “I won’t let you down, Coach,” was Gill’s response to Pitino’s faith in him.

Gill’s moment would arrive after Wayne Blackshear collected his fourth foul at the 8:31 mark. He would respond with a runner to put UofL back on top and drain a 3-pointer from the right corner in a span of a minute. He would follow that up with a baseline drive for a 62-57 lead with 3:33 left.

“Coach believed in me,” he said. “I just wanted to make something happen.”

— Quentin Snider running the point with efficiency of a Peyton Siva, not affected by the big stage, no ups or downs for him, sticking to the game plan. Gaining confidence with each game, taking care of the ball, totally unflappable. Fourteen points, three assists, one turnover.

— Montrezl Harrell will someday be coaching, loves giving instructions almost as much as he does dunking. Both come naturally to him. Energetic from beginning to end this game, letting the celebrating go after the dunks, getting back quicker on defense. Twenty-four points, seven rebounds and a block.

— Terry Rozier finding his rhythm again on offense, a demon on the boards with 14 rebounds, an even bigger threat when he doesn’t burden himself and plays within the offense. Fourteen rebounds, 17 points and four assists during his relentless 40 minutes.

— Mangok Mathiang just needed to get a little better on offense to help his team. His early lay up a confidence builder for everyone associated with UofL. Not backing down on defense, always a barrier, especially when he’s blocking shots, three of them against N.C. State.

These guys are having fun, coming at the right time. They’ve earned the right to another shot at the Final Four.

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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 stuffs N.C. State to get to Regional finale”
  1. Okay–the Cards have now officially surpassed my expectations! What a coaching job, and what a team response to adversity! I suspect Michigan State is saying, ‘Oh c**p, not the Cardinals…’ It will be soooo satisfying to whip them again. Go Cards!

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