Another chapter in the long-time University of Louisville-Western Kentucky series was written Saturday, but the drama lasted only until the intermission. Little doubt about how this installment would end, with UofL emerging on top, 79-63.
Western arriving on a slow bus, hoping to keep the game at a snail’s pace, milking the clock at every opportunity, bearing little resemblance to the run-and-gun Hilltoppers of the past. The visitors really didn’t have much choice, with UofL challenging every dribble, pass and shot. WKU still managed to achieve a 28-25 lead with 2:14 remaining in the first half.
That was before Russ Smith discovered that Wayne Blackshear was working without the ball, getting open, wanting the ball in his hands. Blackshear would connect on two consecutive three-pointers and UofL would take a 31-28 lead into the dressing room.
As the second half got under way, Blackshear would return the favor, steal the ball, find Russ Smith rushing to other end, pushing the margin to five and WKU would never seriously threaten again.
- Smith was looking more for teammates than shots this game, streaking down the lane, passing on the circus shots. He would still launch 16 attempts, making six of them while totaling 14 points. What was making Rick Pitino jubilant, however, was that Smith was credited with 10 assists.
- Blackshear getting the message from Pitino, becoming more assertive, making himself available, collecting 12 points while pulling down two rebounds and a couple of steals. Maybe, just maybe, he’s ready to assume a leadership role (I know we’ve said that before).
- Mangok Mathiang, meanwhile, was becoming more aggressive in attacking the basket, making good on five of five attempts for his 10 points. Less timid on the boards, pulling down four rebounds, was credited with a block. Slowly but surely making progress.
- Tim Henderson, better known as “Wichita” to an uncle for those legendary shots in the NCAA last season, filling in as a reserve for injured Chris Jones, getting 22 minutes of playing time. Good numbers, too, four of six behind the arc for his 12 points, four assists and a steal. Just the latest example of Pitino’s long-term development process.
- Montrezl Harrell will be remembered in this game for another of those monster dunks. But he would see only limited action, getting into early foul trouble and only 18 minutes of playing time.
- Chane Behanan becoming more of a fixture, returning to form, using that big body more effectively these days, adding 11 points, seven rebounds and even a couple of assists. Stay focused, Chane, good things will continue to happen.
- Terry Rozier , in a starting role again, mixing in on the boards, loving it, pulling down 10 rebounds to go with his four points.
- Kevin Ware, alas, 24 seconds of playing time, but remembered for the turnover as he was doing the patented six seconds to halftime thing.
- Luke Hancock wanting to convince himself and everybody else that the Achilles injury isn’t bothering him. He’s not limping or showing any signs but it’s slowing him down. Still made his only three-point attempt for his three points in 17 minutes of playing time.
The teams have played 77 times since 1926, with Western Kentucky owning a 39-38 edge in the series.