So, there’s a pal of mine with whom I’ve experienced a lot of Cardinal moments.

San Diego in ’75.

Indy in ’80.

Knoxville.

We listened on the radio together to Denny’s first game, an L to Florida.

With a bunch of other guys we had season tickets in a group for years.

We’re not as close as we use to be. It happens.

But are still in touch.

So, after he apparently read my piece about The Ville’s opening round W  over UKnighted, he comments to me, “What is the Elam Ending pray tell?”

And, I’m thinkin’, how very strange, maybe he’s not as big a fan as he used to be, but still . . .

Then during Monday evening’s thrilling second round survival over seriously feisty Sideline Cancer 71-69, he responds to a group text referencing an article about the Deadheads in the Sphere or some such.

Really?

Meanwhile unfolding at Freedom Hall was a heart-stopping example of the gut-wrenching brilliance of the Elam Ending.

After Nick Mayo canned one of two FTs with 3:53 to play, The Ville was up four 63-59 when it called the Elam forcing timeout.

Target score: 71. Clock off.

SC first crack: deuce 63-61.

Empty possession.

SC deuce. 63 all.

Several empty possessions each way.

Next tally: SC deuce. 63-65.

Russ Smith misses two FTs.

SC score. 63-67. An 8 straight point Sideline Cancer rally.

David Johnson finally gets The Ville on the board in the Elam. Which is immediately answered. 65-69. SC is just two points from stealing the W.

After an empty possession, the former Cards+ tighten up on D.

Two stops. A deuce by Chris Jones. A deuce by David Johnson. 69 all.

Next score wins.

One more stop.

Not So Silent L Montrezl Harrell, a 66% career FT shooter in the League, nets a couple.

Six unanswered when it mattered. 71-69. Good Guys.

Sunshine daydream that. This is Sugar Magnolia Blossoms Bloomin’.

 * * * * *

Chinanu Onuaku DNP. Ankle injury.

Peyton Siva sat out the 3d and 4th. Either from fatigue or injury.

Chane Behanan for whatever reason only played 13 minutes.

Reece Gaines coached a pretty astute game.

He played the bench a lot in the opening half. Several who hit the court nary a second in the opener. Add ons who aren’t former Cards. Chris Dowe. Omar Prewitt. Derrick Walker. They along with Nick Mayo, another not former Cardinal,who logged significant PT, more than held their own.

Pressure and trapping wore shorthanded SC down, though out only at the very very end. Match up zone again to victorious effect.

 * * * * *

Oh it’s a cliché I’ve used too much through the years, about several former Cards, but mostly about He Who Shall Be Forever Known As Russdiculous.

Live by the Russ. Die by the Russ.

A prime example of Monsieur Diculous came about in the 2d.

Russ hits a crazy good reverse lay up for a 23-20 advantage. Then a triple. Followed on the next trip by another threeball. For a patented 8-0 Russ Run.

Next trip he threw up — literally, figuratively — an off balance ill advised jumper from long range. Air ball.

He’s one of a kind, that guy.

Most of all to Cardinal fans, a hair loss inducing first team All-American national champion.

You gotta just shake your head. And be thankful Ralph Willard wouldn’t let The Rick run him off after his rookie season.

Russ finished with 16. David Johnson led with 18.

Chris Jones added 13.

Montrezl Harrell snared 8 boards, and scored 8, including the two that sealed the deal.

 * * * * *

The Ville will play either Team Fredette or Team DRC Wednesday at 7:00 for the Louisville Regional crown.

— c d kaplan