Louisville 97 – S. Alabama 70
Posted by frankpos on December 5, 2010
Screaming Siva slam...
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Ck out 100+ pics of the game taken by Matt Wickham, the main photog for Hell in the Hall,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kylures/sets/72157625529616704/detail/
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The Cards looked sharp in their next to last tune-up for UNLV next Saturday, with a 97-70 win over South Alabama.
Mind you this was the typical Sun Belt team diet we have been fed for awhile– the Jaguars were ranked 242, and their tallest starter was 6’6″.
But importantly, the Cards played consistent, heady ball throughout the game, hitting 50% in each half and showing quick, effective ball movement for the wide open shot –evidence: 20 assists, and only 8 turnovers.
Again, the game was over with by halftime. Mike Marra broke the game open with 4 three’s in the first half, and the Cards led 48-30 at the half.
Mike Marra hit 5 3's--but was only 1 of 7 3's in the second half. What impressed me: his decisions to fake the 3 ball and go hard to the bucket.
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But S. Alabama at least played hard throughout too, unlike previous opponent FIU.
Besides Marra, Rakeem Buckles shone again with a second double-double for the season for U of L in points and rebounds, Peyton Siva played totally in control, dishing 4 assists versus only one turnover, and Terrence Jennings really came to play today with a ton of energy, finishing just shy of a double-double also.
Peyton Siva uses the basket as a shield on a reverse lay-up. Peyton played perhaps his best game of the season, fully in control, with 5 of 6 shooting , and 4 assists with only one TO.
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Pitino singled out both Marra and Siva in his post game presser.
I have not been our impressed by our front line rebounding against the much smaller line-ups that we play. And when I pressed Coach on this, he indicated that this was one of our obvious weaknesses and the answer is to team rebound. And I think that’s the best answer you can give–it’s just going to be our Achilles tendon in games in the Big East and against any decent front lines.
Gratuitous Ladybird shot...
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But…this is a truly fun team to watch. And if the team continues the quick, unselfish ball movement and improvement… it can be a most enjoyable “bridge year.”
Obligatory Terrence Jennings joy jam. TJ showed true energy, pouring in 10 pts and importantly grabbing 8 boards. Really... have you ever seen any other player exhibit such smiling, inner glow with each dunk?
kylures said
That was one of the most fun games this year, even saw Pitino smiling. Everyone seems to be focused but humble. Go Cards!