Perry leads way in Louisville win over Clemson

Top photo: Ryann Brill, the granddaughter of UofL scoreboard operator Mike Geutig. Bottom photo: Darius Perry with three of his 19 points (Cindy Rice Shelton photos).

With the recent emergence of David Johnson as a major presence for the University of Louisville basketball team, not surprising numerous observers speculating Darius Perry to a backup role. Sorry to disappoint, but the second guessers are going to have to wait.

Johnson impressive in the last three games, so good in fact that he had effectively raised overall expectations UofL. Coming out of obscurity to lead his team past Duke, with 19 points in Durham a week ago. Following that up with more sizzle the other night against Georgia Tech.

Coach Chris Mack not ready to make any major changes just yet, keeping Perry in the starting lineup against Clemson on Saturday. Either emboldened by his coach’s trust or responding to the peer pressure, Perry played the best game of his career on Saturday.

Behind Perry’s shooting, he would score eight of his team’s first 11 points, including two 3-pointers, Louisville would race to a 47-26 lead at half time. Perry would lead all scorers with 19 points, grab five rebounds make one assist and a steal in 26 minutes of playing time. Some 15 of those points coming on five of six attempts behind the 3-point line.

Darius Perry impressing Coach Chris Mack with his offense and defense in Louisville’s win over Clemson (Mike DeZarn photo).

For the Coaches vs. Cancer Day, UofL coaches wore shoes honoring the memory of Jaxen Claxton, the 2-year-old son of strength coach Andy Claxton (Mike DeZarn photo).

Never any doubt. Louisville defeating Clemson 80-64 in front of 17,654 at the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday, improving its record to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in the ACC.

Bettors who had UofL as their college basketball pick against the spread were happy as well since they covered the spread.

“I’ve always been a team player,” Perry said afterwards. “None of the shots I took tonight were bad or uncontested. I was open and my teammates were getting me the ball and I took them.”

A breakthrough game as well for Samuell Williamson, a highly-touted freshman forward. Williamson would make good on five of six shots, including a 3-pointer, and two at the free throw line for 14 points.

The Louisville coach, pleased with the offensive output, was even happier with the defensive efforts of the two freshmen. “They are playing with confidence on defense,” he said. “I really thought our team played with tremendous energy throughout the game.”

David Johnson, meanwhile, coming up with five rebounds, six assists and eight points coming off the bench.

Gallery courtesy of Cindy Rice Shelton