After a hopping out to a quick 18-2 lead, the Cardinals lost all drive and gave up their fifth loss in seven games.
Foul trouble continued to riddle the Cardinals as they committed 20 total fouls and gave Marquette 18 chances at the charity stripe. The Golden Eagles capitalized only missing a pair of free throws the entire game.
The foul trouble continued to keep big man Gorgui Dieng on the bench. Dieng’s foul out was his second in four games. Dieng’s height is one of Louisville’s biggest strengths but everytime the fouls pile on. Dieng’s inexperience shines, he simply doesn’t understand how to play with fouls.
Chris and Russ Smith dominated early for UofL putting up 11 and 13 points respectively. The two provided the best offensive stretch of Louisville’s season in the game’s opening minutes. However, a streaky Marquette quickly closed the gap and took a 34-30 lead at half time.
In the second half, the same struggles that have plagued the Cards reared their ugly heads. Louisville shot a horrid 20% from behind the arc. They also gave up easy open threes, and turned the ball over 10 times. Whenever UofL mounted any comeback, a careless mistake or giveaway halted all forward progress.
In the end the Cardinals couldn’t muster any kind of effort as the Golden Eagles rolled to an 11-point victory.
The lack luster Louisville offense continues to be its weakest quality. Without some kind of jolt the Cardinals will continue to struggle especially in the Big East gauntlet that’s only beginning to ramp up.
However, the first moments of the game did prove that the offense is there, but can’t seem to show itself at the right times. Inserting Russ Smith into the starting line up has had some success, but when Kyle Kuric returns from his Russ may come back to the bench. Chane Behanan also played his best minutes since the early season, showcasing the immense talent lying with the freshman.
Louisville will next travel to Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Panthers have struggled and the Cardinals need a road win to get back on track.
