That’s the warning when reading this take about the game, a 23 point defeat that, as we are wont to say, was not nearly that close.
Louisville 69, Syracuse 92.
Because there’s really not much to write about here.
Or, let’s be brutally honest, about this state of Cardinal affairs for the rest of the season.
I was actually anxious Saturday morning in advance of Syracuse. After the efforts the last two times out, it seemed like the Cards had a legit chance against the 11-11 Orange, to break the current losing streak. Which stands now at what five in a row. Eight of last nine.
I was struck that U of L was a 7 point underdog.
Ah, the delusions of a diehard.
There was a harbinger for me that reality was about to strike.
My pregame conversation with Doc.
From back east, he didn’t grow up a Card fan. But has been fully invested since matriculating at U of L in the 60s. Doc’s a warm weather guy. He hates the cold. He and family look for opportunities to find a beach come winter time.
Except that Doc has traditionally sent bride and daughters off to some exotic clime without him, if it means missing a Cardinal home game. He doesn’t miss U of L games.
Until now.
During our conversation late morning, he advised how he was off to get some fresh tennis shoes. He and better half are off to Jamaica on Wednesday. I was gobsmacked. This was a reality check of the highest order.
* * * * *
The Cardinals first shot was a wide open three.
Air ball.
After the opening five possessions, the Cards had missed four treys, and were behind 2-7.
At the first media timeout, U of L was 4/12 from the field. ‘Cuse was 4/4.
At 14-25, the victors had finally missed a shot. They were 9/10. Most uncontested.
Louisville’s shooting, the numbers skewed by some garbage makes, was horrid. An open trey hit the top of the backboard on its downward arc. An open baseline J hit the upper corner of the glass.
At the other end of the court, Louisville was “awful.” Mike Pegues descriptor of the defensive effort, just transcribing there.
Louisville was never a threat.
With 6:10 to play, Syracuse was up 32. Walk ons took to the hardwood, including a guard who hadn’t played a second all season. Normally the nervous type, Jim Boeheim appeared throughout like a man contemplating where he wanted to go to dinner.
* * * * *
Pegues who admitted to being “pissed off” at the team’s lack of enthusiasm, also offered this.
“We’re a talented team. But not talented enough.”
As much as I hate to admit it, I have to disagree with the first sentence. I had thought all along during the Mack meltdown that there was a good team somewhere in there.
It frankly, sadly, does not appear to be so.
The team, the program, is in need of an extreme total makeover.
That process has commenced.
Until then, some semblance of effort on the court, and acceptance among the faithful appear the most that can asked for.
— c d kaplan
I have no way of knowing who said this but one of our players from the 80s said that none, NONE, of these current guys would get many minutes on those teams. We were spoinled and I think the recruiting and coaching (by Mack—too early to tell on Pegues) are far below what we’ve gotten used to. I can only hope that the turnaround doesn’t take too long
I was really looking forward to watching this game. Big mistake. They were lost on both offense and defense. A real let down. Watch the u of l women tomorrow get revenge on the Orange.
Watching the women is like watching a symphony. Watching the men is like watching a train wreck.
Chris Spatola commented , “Chris Mack and now Mike Pegues, should not have to coach effort.” And the guys who DO bring it, like Cross, can’t play 20 minutes and contribute nothing offensively. Pegues has inherited a bunch of average players that are just not very good and as a team are worse. This is not UL basketball material. Time for a reset.
There has been complete breakdown in talent evaluation, present and immediate future look dismal. First time in 60yrs of fandom, I wish we could pull the plug on this abomination,
I am not bragging nor gloating but I harken back to November when my 67 years of watching, listening or playing basketball told me and I commented “We have nothing”. Today was Custer’s last stand redoux. A real live massacre.
Forget the men’s team use your considerable talents to write about the women’s team
I agree with the professor about the teams
And i don’t see it getting better without a miracle in recruiting which is why I hope we hire Kenny Payne who was a great recruiter at UK who apparently can coach them up,as,well