The first clue the University of Louisville basketball team is going to shoot the lights out comes at tip-off time. The switch controlling the circuit breaker refusing to reset after player introductions, delaying the game for about 20 minutes.
Time to replay the NCAA videos celebrating a third national championship, the boogie videos, even the “One Shining Moment” video from CBS-TV network, the crowd shuffling in and out from the concession areas. Fans still finding their seats again as the teams line up for the tip-off.
The temporary blackout is about all Cornell has going for it in the 99-54 loss to UofL. The Cardinals racing to 22-2 lead, extending it to 53-14 by half, while marking the 19th win in a row for the defending NCAA champs and the 1,700th win in the history of the program.
The game may have been just the boost Wayne Blackshear needed to get his offensive motor going again, posting a career and game high best of 20 points while connecting on five of seven field goal attempts and four of five free throws in 18 minutes of playing time.
Montrezl Harrell with 15 rebounds, two more memorable dunks and even a three-point shot, perhaps the hit of the night, possibly raising the roof a bit, that smile of his.
Chris Jones with an off night for him, credited with only nine points and one assist. He also would make his first turnover after three games in a UofL uniform.
Russ Smith going easy on Cornell, contributing only 10 points while managing five assists.
The game was over early for the crowd of 19,834, many of them flocking from the KFC Yum! Center at the 11:19 mark, with Louisville owning a 73-34 advantage and no light at the end of the tunnel for Cornell.
TV commentators Valvano and Deener probably said it best when they gushed over the three-pointer by Montrezl, paraphrasing: “He should now just back off from making any more threes and he can hold the school record at 3-point percentage shooting, with 100%.” But please, Trez, just keep on with the rebounding and keep on entertaining us with those monster dunks. Come to think of it, the dunks are that much more entertaining when we witness your exultation after each one. Go Cards!