A couple of games may have been just what the University of Louisville men’s basketball team needed after five torturous days of practice, an escape from the embarrassment of losing to Western Kentucky, the nonstop Rick Pitino-isms, all the redundancy and repetitions, and the doubting ugly reflections in the mirror.
— Welcome back Jerry Smith. First a jumper, then a tip-in and a long-range three-pointer for the Cards’ first seven points, en route to 16 points. Two fouls but neither of them of the wasteful variety.
— Earl Clark looking like the Earl Clark of last year’s post-season, but better: Eight assists, 14 rebounds (including three on the offensive boards), and 17 points. Did we mention eight assists?
— Samardo Samuels, yes, we saw him playing defense. Thought about it, and decided it was time. Has learned he is going to have to work harder to get open. Collected 17 points, nine of them during his 10 shots from the free throw line. Don’t forget the four rebounds, two of them oEn offense.
— Edgar Sosa looks good when he hits those tricky layup attempts, horrible when he doesn’t. Three assists but two turnovers. Needs to keep working on that ratio.
— Terrence Williams, your teammates proved they can beat Ohio U when you have an off day but beating Big East foes will be more difficult. Hitting only one of seven from the field and one of six from the free throw line. Four assists but six turnovers? Where’s our T-will?
— Andre McGee has had better days, too, but he claimed six defensive rebounds.
— Kyle Kuric is going to be a regular contributor soon. He’s the protypical Pitino player.
Nice analysis on the major players for the Cards yesterday. I thought Sosa played maybe his best game of the year, when he’s a point guard that distributed and uses his skills to drive to the hoop, he really helps the team. Also, although it was “slop minutes” action…Terrance Jennings really got the crowd rocking with his dunks, rebounding and defensive play. Looks like we have another three headed center this year…and with Goode and Jennings backing up “Big Sam” we’ll have 15 fouls to throw at the assorted beasts that our Big East foes have in the pivot. Good win, Cards.