U of L CardFile: Syracuse

There have been some classic games in the Louisville/ Syracuse series.

The Kyle Kuric DunkFest in Freedom Hall’s final curtain.

And that Big East tourney turnaround that propelled the ’13 Cards to the title. Down 29-45 with 16:00 to play. Scored 16 straight out of the media timeout. Won 78-61.

A few others, including besting the Pearl Washington/ Rony Seikaly juggernaut in the Hall.

Tuesday’s game was NOT a classic. Instant or otherwise.

There have some memorable games against other foes at the ‘Cuse.

Most famously when then upstart Georgetown bested the #2 Orange in their old gym before moving to the Carrier Dome in February ’80. After which, John Thompson declared, “Manly Field House is officially closed.”

Tuesday’s shall not be especially memorable.

What it was was simply another solid steady* W  by the Louisville Cardinals over a truly underwhelming, overwhelmed league foe.

*Have I used the descriptors solid and steady before about this bunch? Yes. I need to expand my vocabulary. How about sturdy and unshakeable?

Cards 85, Orange 61.

U of L is 13-5 for the campaign. 6-1 in the ACC. 4-0 in the ACC on the road.

 * * * * *

Seedy K’s Favorite Moment #1: James Scott throwing himself on the floor to retrieve a loose ball then flipping it to Chucky Hepburn for a triple. 43-27. Assist Scott from the hardwod.

Seedy K’s Favorite Moment #2: Reyne Smith’s trey +1 to push the Cards ahead 25-17.

Seedy K’s Favorite Moment #3: The five point trip with 6:19 left. James Scott was hardfouled on a layup. Flagrant 1. He netted both FTs. Then Chucky hit  one of his six from distance (10 attempts). 77-52.

 * * * * *

People have asked me about Kasean Pryor.

He was on the bench Tuesday. I believe I also saw Koren Johnson.

 * * * * *

Hepburn led the Cards with 24 points (8/13).

But I swear he looked kind of bored and disinterested.

Maybe he’s just wearing down a smidge.

Perhaps he was thinking, let’s get this stinker over with and get back home where it might be warmer. (Hint Chuckster, it ain’t warmer.)

 * * * * *

Do not mean this to be a criticism of Pat Kelsey in any regard. You know, the Cardinals have now reeled off 7 in a row. And what’s been goin’ on lately is obviously working.

But I do wonder why Kader Traore isn’t getting a little more PT?

He got an offensive board — U of L’s first — upon entering the “fray” at 13-10. Then pilfered the ball, leading to a Scott bucket. Then scored on consecutive possessions.

His 8 points and 5 retrievals came in just 13 minutes of action.

 * * * * *

Louisville was a perfect 11/11 at the charity stripe.

Not a lot of fouls assessed. 11 on the Cards. 10 on Syracuse. The Orange simply didn’t guard very closely, didn’t contest a whole lot very vigorously. The Cardinals played good staunch D. Frankly didn’t have to be too tenacious.

‘Cuse leader JJ Starling was held to 4 points. 1/7 from the field.

 * * * * *

U of L hit half their shots. Literally. 31/62. 12/28 (43%) from downtown. (Term used to honor Marv Albert, who honed his skills at Syracuse, along with such announcing luminaries as Jason Benetti, Bob Costas, Ian Eagle, Beth Mowins, Dave Pasch, Mike Tirico, Dick Stockton and Sean McDonough. And 4th tier Doug Sherman, the play by play guy Tuesday.)

Four other Cards besides CH were in double figures.

Terrance Edwards (16). J’Vonne Hadley (13) with 10 boards. Reyne Smith (10). And James Scott (10) with 8 window wipes and three assists.

 * * * * *

I miss the Dome Ranger. Real name: Doug Brogan.

Though he couldn’t have stirred up much enthusiasm in front to this skimpy gathering in the Dome. Who thinned out early.

 * * * * *

Frank Anselem-Ibe played at Syracuse before moving on to Georgia then here to Louisville. He was just Frank Anselem in Orange, as shared by Sherman.

Does that mean I go Full wacko Seedy and start listing him as FA-If/k/aFA?

No, not a chance. Only tonight to eek out a few more words in summing up this rather boring 24 point road win.

 * * * * *

For The Professor.

Cards outscored the Orange 12-0 in the last 4:57 of the 1st.

And were +3 in the first five minutes of the 2d, as they started to inexorably pull away.

 * * * * *

I frankly hadn’t noticed before that Coach Pat Kelsey had played a year for the Wyoming Cowboys.

Whose brown and gold cowpoke on a bucking bronco is perhaps the coolest logo in college sports. Other than the Dunking Cardinal, of course.

Next: Virginia Saturday in the Yum!

Roll it 8, Cards.

— c d kaplan

 

 

9 thoughts on “U of L CardFile: Syracuse

  1. Hope springs eternal ‼️ This team with 5 starters in double figures and some estimable healthy times ahead is what I would call “cohesive” led by a head coach who has preached packing 2 suitcases 🧳 of defense when Cards go on the road-

    To restate the factual record – which is just a joyous ode to renewal : U of L is 13-5 for the campaign. 6-1 in the ACC. 4-0 in the ACC on the road.

    And tomorrow the 2025 JazzFest musical acts drop ‼️Laissez bon temps roule 💥

  2. I suspect, this is the way ahuh ahuh we like it; tenacious, frenetic, unselfish, intense and fueled as always by an unwaivering desire to win. As the croupier would call out, “easy eight, eight easy”. Go Cards beat the Cavs for the the easy eight payoff.😊🏀🏀

  3. when Traore shows he is a reliable dribbler and passer he will fit more into the PK system and play more so that his own skills can be utilized. Our coach is turnover averse, and Traore passes well, nor has a tight “handle”

  4. Seedy, you forgot that Epic win over the Cuse 2 days after our biggest NCAA disappointment ever. I wish we had been playing a certain someone else. That still hurts.

    Got home late from work last night and didn’t realize our game was already at halftime. Turned on the game with some trepidation to check the score (I still have some residual pessimistic mindset leftover from the last two years) to find out we were up 16. If this is all a dream, please don’t wake me up.

  5. I thought about it at Halftime
    I wish this game was more exciting and then I thought again…it feels good to blow a team out. Win by 30 boys!

Comments are closed.