Louisville’s defense slightly better than Vandy’s

Video courtesy of David Miller fresh back from Louisville’s 62-60 overtime win over Vanderbilt. Thanks Mr. Miller, thinking of his fellow fans (turn the volume way up):

This University of Louisville team will have to battle for every basket against decent teams, accept the fact, get used to it.  Should come as no surprise, with defensive effort accounting for most of the wins Rick Pitino has accumulated over the past decade. Not good enough to hold John Jenkins of Vanderbilt under 27 points, but few teams will stop him.

Louisville ran into another good defensive team Friday, U of L blessed with every shot that made it home, falling behind nine points with eight minutes to go in regulation, and trailing by five points in overtime. When things get desperate, Pitino turns up the heat, all hell breaks loose, creating daylight and scoring opportunities.

• Injuries have taken their toll on Peyton Siva who appears to be playing in slow motion since missing three games. Fortunately just enough speed and even more moxie to make those impossible shots under crowded baskets.

• Russ Smith is so much quicker than everyone on the floor, may be that’s why Siva seems so slow. If Smith could only take advantage of the openings his speed creates, he would be a dangerous weapon.

• Gorgui Dieng is at his best when he doesn’t have time to think about what he’s doing. When this game becomes less of an curiosity and more of a must-win attitude, he’s going to be hard to stop.

• Chane Behanan reminds veteran fans so much of Rodney McCray with his wide body, the toughness and natural abilities. He will never be intimidated, that’s for certain.

• Chris Smith kind of disappeared in this one, a testament to Vanderbilt’s defense.

• Kyle Kuric, looking a little rusty for some reason, but still making the most memorable-shots-other-than-game-winner with that high-flying Alley Oop and another one of his specialties from the corner. The scorebook says he had 10 other points nobody will remember, leading U of L with 15 points.

The crowd, wow, those U of L fans, about as loud and crazy as any in recent memory, lovin’ that “Sand Storm” background. Jubilant, ecstatic. U of L basketball is back, front and center.