In their first real test of the season, the Louisville basketball Cards survived an early game deficit and came back with a vengeance. There are still things to work on, but a lot to be happy about in this one for Louisville.
What started as a game that a lot of Louisville basketball fans were worried about going in, became a performance that many will look back on as a turning point as this season goes on. Granted, there are a lot of turning points over the course of a basketball season, but this being Chris Mack’s third game at the helm against a quality opponent.. this one was big for the Cards.
Louisville shot 53% for the game and 42% from 3-point range, but the numbers don’t really tell the story as much in this one. This one was about the effort, toughness, and intensity from every guy out there. The first man up to the last man up laid it all out on the court.
Jordan Nwora: 22 points (7-11 FG), five rebounds
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer) November 17, 2018
Darius Perry: 17 points (6-10 FG), four assists
Steven Enoch: 14 points (6-8 FG), three rebounds
V.J. King: 14 points (4-8 FG), four rebounds
VJ King started to look like the player we have been dying to see. He recorded 14 points along with 4 rebounds. But again, more encouraging than the stats is the fact that VJ didn’t look timid – as he has so many times over the course of his career. On multiple occasions, he drove the lane, absorbed the contact, and still finished. He was also 5-7 from the FT line. Louisville basketball needs VJ King to play with this kind of passion every single game.
Once again, Malik Williams was impressive. He only had 5 points, but added 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks. His hustle and heart will help this team win a lot of games. Dwayne Sutton as always played his role well, especially defensively he’s improving. TV Teddy made him the victim of too many whistles (VJ too).
Towards the end, Vermont found themselves back in it, with the Cards lead (which had been as high as 22) down to only 8 in the waning minutes. But our guys once again overcame a bit of sloppiness – perhaps complacency? – and were able to hold on for the victory. A victory that should be a big notch in the Cardinal’s belt once the end of the year comes around.
MVP: This is a tough one, but I gotta go with Steven Enoch. He finished with 14 points – 10 of them came in the first four minutes of the second half. Dude was downright unstoppable down low.
LVP: I honestly can’t choose any of our guys for this one, the whole team effort was just so good. I’ll give this to TV Teddy *rolls eyes* Always enjoy when you call our games man.
X-Factor: Jordan Nwora. Besides the fact he had a career high 22 points (back-to-back 20 point games), this guy is really starting to assert himself. He’s the best scorer on the floor and if his confidence continues to grow.. watch out.