There is one thing I honestly hate more than losing to Kentucky.
Playing Kentucky.
Too much stress. You know seeing THAT guy in the coffee room or the gym.
It’s an annual reminder of reality: That arch rival’s program has been better historically, and certainly better in recent times.
I accept that. But, geez, it would be nice not to have it reinforced just about every year.
Besides for all the store the teams’ fanbases hold in this battle, both schools have won a natty after losing in the regular season.
So, as I sit and provide this brief — very brief — review of UK’s hard fought 93-85 victory, my main takeaway is . . .
. . . I’m glad it’s over.
* * * * *
As for the actual basketball, one thing is clear.
Louisville, not nearly as deep nor as good as their foe; Louisville is really really tough.
They gave no quarter.
Undersized. Undersquaded. Less talented. In foul trouble. On heavy legs late.
Never Stopped Comin’.
Dan Shulman asked Jay Bilas his take on the Cardinals: “They’re a lot tougher than I thought.”
Indeed.
My school made me proud with its performance.
All things considered, this guy can realistically ask no more.
* * * * *
Oh there’s a play here and there when U of L could have pulled closer than down 3, which they were a couple times after intermission.
But, the truth for me anyway, was it was never going to happen.
* * * * *
UK hit 70% in the opening half, 5/7 threes. Had outscored the Cards 16-2 on fast breaks.
Yet, U of L was only down 40-46 at the break.
They’d only turned it over once, and were 8-0 on second chance points.
Kentucky had one guy, a fellow who’d missed a couple of games injured, Lamont Butler who made all of his non-FTs. Literally. 10/10 from the field. Including 6/6 from Treyville.
Yet Louisville had the ball down by just five with 2:34 to go.
But, wearing down, it simply wasn’t going to happen.
If there was a seal the deal for the victor turning point — again I’m not sure there was — it came with 12:00 left. A minute earlier the Cards committed only their second giveaway of the tilt when the score was 59-64.
Then U of L did it again and Terrence Edwards reached in and was called for his fourth.
The Cardinals quickly fell behind by double digits after another giveaway.
But Never Stopped Comin’.
To no eventual avail.
* * * * *
A few more of these 39 minute games for Chucky Hepburn and he might need leg transplants.
26 points. 5 rebounds. 5 assists.
Terrence Edwards continues to rise.
23 points. 5/7 beyond the arc.
Noah Waterman’s shooting struggles continue, but he was relentless on the boards with 12 caroms, six offensive.
J’Vonne Hadley was steady as usual. 10 and six.
* * * * *
The Cardinals fell.
The Cardinals didn’t fail.
I’m glad it’s over.
— c d kaplan
No criticism by any means but merely a question. Why with such a depleted squad and guys getting in trouble do we not play a zone defense,which I submit would take less of a toll both from a foul stand point and stamina standpoint? Just asking.
I doubt that Kentucky has had a better game statistically this year. Butler makes ALL his shots. When that happens, you’re hard to beat.
True. When I see performances like Butler- I can’t figure out why he misses free throws….
Incredibly impressed by the fight and grit of this team. If the team was healthy, Louisville may well have won. Plaudits, kudos and accolades to Coach Kelsey for having this team ready.
Chucky Hepburn! Well on the way to becoming my favorite Card Cager, ever. That man is tough and unflappable. Head head high here. Rise above, Card Nation. The change is gonna come.
Played hard, huh? I’d say. Twas a Rocky Balboa impersonation of the highest quality. Hold on Card fans, there comin’. Good quality punches against the 5th ranked team in the cats’ den.
Amen to all of the comments,and the article.
Just like the Duke game. A few more players they win both games.