This is the third in a truly subjective, minimally researched, intentionally provocative series to foster conversation about Louisville Cardinal basketball superlatives through the decades. Previously posted, E1: Rebounders. E2: Glue Guys. (That’s right no links, you know how to scroll down for past columns without my help.)

Today: Best Single Game Performance Ever.

Best:

Of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality: the best pitcher in the league | how to obtain the best results from your machine | her best black suit.

• most enjoyable: some of the best times of my life.

• most appropriate, advantageous, or well advised: do whatever you think best | it’s best if we both go.

So, why finally in the third of this series do I post an actual definition of “best”?

One, it’s about time. As subjective as these lists are by their very nature.

Mostly though, after reading that third definition. Because of which I have extrapolated that the performances deserving of the accolade are those which came in games that mattered.

Wes Unseld tallying a school record 45 against Georgetown (Ky) in the ’67 opener makes the record books. But not of much consequence.

Similarly of little import, Jordan Nwora’s 37burger against BC in late January ’20. (Hold your dismissive brickbats, or not. Your choice.)

Or, Taquan Dean netting 9 pf 12 triples against VMI, another December matchup in ’03. Or, Cliff Rozier draining all dozen of his FGs against Eastern Ky in early ’93. Or Corn Holden canning 32 in a relatively meaningless affair against Southern MIss in ’90.

Or, that Saturday afternoon in the 70s when Wes Cox was throwin’ ’em through the hoop from the Kurt Siegert & His Strings in Stereo dance floor at the Executive Inn. Against Bradley? Or Wichita State maybe? I remember nothing more than he missed one, two shots at most. Bullseyed one falling to the floor.

Russ Smith’s big game against Houston in the ’14 AAC tourney. Post Season and 40+ yeah, but it was a blow out, blah blah blah.*

Which I dismiss at the risk of drawing the ire of Glorious Editor who suggested it.

Which leaves us with a few deserving of final consideration.

Samaki Walker. Triple Double against #5 UK on New Year’s Day ’95. 88-86 Cards W. A sweet way to start the year. So resonant is the afternoon, I still remember where my gang went for Chinese after the victory.

14 points. 10 rebounds. 11 blocked shots. 

Don’t bother knockin’, the Hall was rockin’.

Lancaster Gordon. Dream Game, Knoxville ’83.

Led the Cardinals with 24 in the 80-68 OT smackdown. Which really isn’t why he made the list.

U of L played behind most of the day. At some point in the 2d, the Cats scored to his dismay. He grabbed the ball as it came through the basket, slammed to the floor, caught it, and demanded, “Enough of this shit.”

Let it be said, let it be done. A victory in the singular U of L game as important as the triad of title tilts.

Luke Hancock. ’13 title W over Michigan, 82-76.

Need I explain why, detail the details of 12 of his 22 points?

I. Don’t. Think. So.

Which brings me to my personal choice as Best Ever.

Peyton Siva. ’13 title game.

Not especially for his numbers so much. Somewhat that he was the one setting up Luke for that quartet of triples.

He was R E L E N T L E S S.

Siva willed the win.

The Rick, ever the egger on along the sidelines, was over the top. Stomping his tasseled loafers, pushing Siva every trip down the hardwood. Peyton would make a mistake at the offensive end, then staying stride for stride with his man, forcing an error at the other.

His intensity for the forty never waned for a nanosecond.

Of course, this is subjective.

But that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.

— c d kaplan