Games like that.

That was one of the most electric crowds and theatre I’ve ever seen at a BBall game in over 40 yrs of attending big games nationwide.

The enormity of the moment with the top ten opponent and a national TV audience… the buzzing anticipation in the full house of white 10 min before tipoff…the white linen suit…the red sparklers on white during the darkened player intros…the roaring comeback and deafening noise from the standing crowd during the second half.

It was the Hell in the Hall of the 80′s.

It was a little bit of special.

*****************

What makes 60 yr old men do handstands?

What makes a 70 yr old man jump and scream and flap a referee shirt at bad calls?

What makes a balding 40 yr old guy suddenly leap up and lead a stadium by spelling out a CARDS cheer with his body?

I’ll tell you what.

We can see it and taste it now.

And we want it…bad. Real bad.

We ….those that took that testosterone -fueled rocket ride to the top with Denny –twice– in the 80′s…we still remember.

God yes, we remember.

We somewhat took it for granted then, that the carnival would never end. But it did.

The time gone by has not quenched the thirst for that thrill ride again.

No, no…a hint of the sight and taste of it again makes it come back even stronger.

So yes, all Card fans want a new shiny big champ ring. But, we who lived the dream REALLY, REALLY want it again.

That’s what makes 60 yr old men do handstands.

Card Fans:

A dominating, top 5 team performance by the Cards!

We won both halves again. Controlled every aspect of the game, through our D and rebounding.

Wave after wave of big, talented bodies (I can’t remember U of L ever before having that kind of depth in the front court.)

Weak link Sosa continues to look better…last 3 games his assists/turnovers about even

In the second half, T Will was brilliant

and David Padgett…just unbelievable.

In my book, it’s now officially a

RUN !

And, we have an immediate test for a true champion–

win on the road with little rest, against a tough opponent (Seton Hall), and right after the emotion of a big rivalry game.

(Also, ESPN: Louisville Pounds Marquette: “Marquette missed all 12 of its 3-point attempts, the first time it has been held without a 3-pointer since a loss to Wisconsin on Dec. 23, 2000.”

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=280170097

Do you feel it?

Go Cards!

and more!

Went to my first U of L women’s game yesterday. Hadn’t been to a women’s BBall game since the early 80′s when Mercy High (and my little sis, Maria) ruled Louisville.

Maria wanted to go, but had a previous commitment, so I finally talked a fellow sports junkie and Card fanatic into a foray into what I knew would be a part Hannah Montana, part Tynker’s atmosphere.

Thought we’d have a beer (or 3) and have a very mellow afternoon, talking (manly) sports, and occasionally glimpsing some of the women’s action.

Never got a chance to talk much. Spent most of our time punching and high-fiving each other over one smooth Angel move after another.

Impressed with…Angel…UConn’s depth and talent…the size and intensity of the crowd (who stayed cheering to the end in a 20 pt loss)

….and my ability to have my stall of choice in the restroom at halftime.

Challenged, Huskies Answer

By JOHN ALTAVILLA | Hartford Courant Staff Writer
January 13, 2008

“…UConn could not stop Angel McCoughtry, who scored 30 points, the most against UConn this season.”

“…McCoughtry was brilliant, scoring 18 in the first half, shooting 8-for-12. No player had scored more than 16 against the Huskies this season. She did this despite three fouls, the third picked up with 3:03 left and the Huskies ahead, 39-22. And she finished with 30 despite not scoring in the final 8:12.

“They were playing hard the whole game,” (UConn’s) Montgomery said. “Any time we would make one shot, they would make one right back.”

“It was tough to get the ball into the middle,” Swanier said. “We had to knock down shots.”

“…You know you are probably going to be in every game [with McCoughtry] because you have a kid that is very hard to guard,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said…Sometimes you just have to give the other team the credit…”

http://www.courant.com/sports/college/husky/women/hc-ucwomen0113.artjan13,0,344086.story

Oh, and by the way, the men’s team plays today if you’re interested.