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Not really sure what to conclude from the University of Louisville basketball team’s 70-68 win over Albany. Nor would this observer want to make any predictions about how things are going to turn out this season.

If the first 11 games have taught us anything, it is that this team is going to face some major challenges in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Teams many had never heard of are already making things difficult for the Cardinals.

Definitely a lack of killer instinct, as in UofL giving up a 12-point lead on Albany in the second half. Clinging for dear life on an Albany 3-point attempt at the buzzer and an obvious foul on the shooter. Thankfully the shot did not go in and the foul was ignored.

Whether it was a lack of respect for the opponent, whether or not the opponent was a decent team, or it was a lack of focus and intensity is up for debate. What’s pretty obvious, however, is that UofL a tough time getting out of the gate and struggling to  put teams away.

There’s definitely a lack of toughness, especially on the backboards.  A much smaller Albany getting 15 more rebounds than UofL. Some of those obviously coming off of Anas Mahmoud’s blocks. He has nine blocks in the game. Funny thing following some of those blocks was Albany was still getting rebounds and points.

Way too close, dodging a bullet against a team named Albany. Not cool. A loss would have been the low point of the season, opening the floodgates to conjecture as to the future of Interim Coach David Padgett.

With the way UofL has performed thus far, one envisions the latter half of the season being a prolonged debate on Padgett’s future. That would mean the Cardinals will have been struggling in ACC conference play. That Padgett’s days would be numbered.

Padgett has to get this team’s attention, somehow, some way. If the coach has been angry or disappointed with anyone, it is a well-kept secret. The nice guy approach only goes so far with some players. May be about time to light some fires.

The season-long audition is still very much an opening act. He needs to prepare himself and his team to overcome the drama that lies ahead. Louisville wants and needs David Padgett to be successful.

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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.