Coming out of the 7:50 timeout of the 2d, James Scott lifted to receive a direct side inbounds pass for a slam. Followed by a Cardinal steal and a Khani Rooths fast break jam. Southpaw, from the Brooklyn side. Reyne Smith netted a triple after a Kasean Pryor block. Another U of L pilfer led to a Terrence Edwards +1.

Which sequence continued with two more Smith bombs on fast breaks to push the Louisville Cardinals’ lead over Morehead State to 90-42.

The twentysomething woman in high top black Chucks with red socks in the front row of the big money courtside seats fell back in her cushioned chair, waved her hands with no mas gestures toward her pal beside her, and screamed, “It’s too much.”

Which, all context considered, it was.

The raucous crowd of a legit 12,000 plus — which may turn out to be the smallest of the season — a ready for magic throng had been singing the body electric from the intros, and at that juncture went . . . I dunno how to describe it . . . ballistic . . . apoplectic.

Had the gym’s transformers blown it would not have been a surprise.

This is the most basketball loving town in the land — there are TV numbers to prove it.

If Pat Kelsey builds it, they will come.

Construction is well under way.

 * * * * *

My charge is to report on the game, which U of L won by 48 points, 93-45.

Maybe tomorrow, hopefully tomorrow I’ll come with specifics and statistics and observations.

Tonight, just can’t do it.

I’m more than a bit verklempt.

Yes, it was Morehead State.

Yes, it was just one game.

Yes, the Cards may have their jocks handed to them by Top 20 Tennessee on Saturday.

Yes, given the two month gauntlet ahead, Louisville’s record might not be very good at the turn of the year.

But, this, I can say beyond peradventure is a New Deal.

A Real Deal.

 * * * * *

The hungry gathering gave the Cardinals its first of several standing Os when the Eagles were forced to call a timeout at 9:14 of the 1st, with the score 24-8. This in the aftermath of a Pryor trey, a Pryor pilfer ending with J’Vonne Hadley deuce on a breakout, a defensive possession featuring two blocked shots, leading to a Chucky Hepburn connection from beyond the arc.

That ovation led to the first spontaneous C*A*R*D*S of the campaign.

It shan’t be the last.

When the visitors inbounded the ball, the “D-Fence” chant was deafening.

 * * * * *

Am I more pumped than a man of my many years should be?

Ab . . . So . . . Friggin’ . . . Lutely.

All I want as I’m living out my dotage is a group of guys with leadership and a plan. A group of guys who bust their hump.

A group of guys who shall bring University of Louisville back to where it once belonged.

At halftime, the Cards led 41-14.

In their face defense had forced the vanquished into 3/28 shooting.

Yes, 11%.

MSU didn’t hit double digits until there was 6:20 before intermission.

ReviVille.

Seems like it so far.

 * * * * *

Again, tomorrow I’ll attempt some real reportage on the game, move beyond the fawning fandomness that I’m feeling in the glow.

— c d kaplan