RUSSCUED!
Russ Smith provided the spark for a 14-0 Louisville second half rally to overcome the upstart Hilltoppers. Smith continued his run of good form with a game high 23 points. In a largely lackluster effort from UofL, Smith was the only consistently effective Cardinal.
Western Kentucky arrived to the KFC Yum! Center ready to play. The Toppers opened with a 16-5 run, quickly putting the Cards on their heels.
Louisville remained disorganized for nearly the entire game. Even during their best possessions, the Cardinal offense was off pace and sloppy.
The failures of the offense rest partly on the shoulders of Peyton Siva. The starter was again disappointing, fouling out with only four points and six turnovers. After the game, coach Rick Pitino admitted that Siva “has to focus on Basketball, again.” Perhaps winning homecoming king has gone to his head.
The Cards are also seeing issues with a tired Gorgui Dieng and a slumping Chane Behanan. Not to mention a pulled groin for injury magnet Rakeem Buckles.
Louisville will have to solve all of its issues before a very strong Georgetown team comes to Louisville on Wednesday. The Hoyas are a terrific 10-1 squad who would swallow Louisville whole if the Cards can’t get their act together. Not to mention the trip to Lexington that will follow on Dec. 31.
Point Blank: If Louisville plays the way it has over the past two games against either Georgetown or Kentucky. The Cardinals are in for a huge wake up call from their undefeated dream land.
P.S. Happy Holidays to all of Card Nation! I hope you are just as excited as I am for the coming week in Louisville Basketball. expect several posts as the Cardinals test their wits in two huge match ups.
