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Not a good start against a team that had lost its last six games and with its back against the proverbial wall. Been there, done that, no fun.

Quentin Snider keeping Louisville close early, scoring 15 points in 20 minutes (Cindy Rice Shelton photo).

The University of Louisville basketball team would fall behind Wake Forest 17-8, the Cardinals stumbling out of the gate, looking confused, out of sorts. Wake Forest with its back against the wall, highly motivated, badly needing a win.

Quentin Snider wasn’t impressed, not going with the script, wanting the ball. He would bring a calming presence during those first few frantic minutes, scoring seven of UofL’s first 11 points. Snider setting the stage for a 19-2 run, including 14 straight points, to gain control over the Demon Deacons by 27-19 at the 7:07 mark, with UofL taking an eight-point lead to the locker room at the half. 

Louisville would win 96-77 before a crowd of 17,215 at the KFC Yum! Center, improving its record to 15-5 overall and 6-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Snider, UofL’s senior point guard, would get only 20 minutes of playing time but he had done his job. During that time, he had collected 15 points, making five of seven field goal attempts, including three of four 3-point shots. 

Big night for V. J. King as well, sharing scoring honors with 15 points. But it was the other parts of his game that stood out, notably those four assists on offense and two steals on defense. Learning what it takes to be around when a game is actually on the line.

V.J. King having career night with 15 points, four assists and two steals (Cindy Rice Shelton photo).

Next up is Virginia, on Wednesday at Charlottesville, where Louisville has had no success during its first five seasons in the ACC. They should be looking forward to it, eager for an opportunity to reverse the trend. 

This is UofL after all, not your run of the mill college basketball program. That should provide plenty for motivation for Snider and company.

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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.