Louisville basketball game grades: The Cards are back
By Nick Conner
A-. C.C. played with grit, defended well and ignited the offense at times. When he goes so will the Cards offense. Attacked the rim at will when it mattered.. PG. Louisville Cardinals. CHRISTEN CUNNINGHAM
C-. Perry got in foul trouble early and watched Ryan go off offensively and Fore defend the heck out of Winston. He continues to lose his mind on the bench regardless of his own play and you have to love that.. PG. Louisville Cardinals. DARIUS PERRY
C-. After not starting, VJ was nowhere to be found for the majority of the game and had zero points. Mack sent a message loud and clear to a guy who has to play well for this team to achieve great things. Keep your head up and prove all the doubters wrong, VJ!. SF. Louisville Cardinals. V.J. KING
A. Dwayne brought it last night. Shot well from deep, got to loose balls and brought his normal fire. The ceiling continues to get higher for #24.. SF. Louisville Cardinals. DWAYNE SUTTON
Louisville Cardinals. STEVEN ENOCH. C-. Enoch once again got it early foul trouble and his vacancy was quickly apparent on the glass. Steve has to stay on the floor and remove himself from moments that refs like TV Teddy desire.. C
B+. Jordan led the Cards in 39 minutes. Jordan was a rebound away from a double-double and other than a few (4 overall) dumb turnovers in the first half, played more under control and understood his role. Big three down the stretch in OT.. PF. Louisville Cardinals. JORDAN NWORA
Malik played out of his mind defensively, on the glass, and looked exceptional at times on offense. He continues to quickly mature under Mack. 28 big minutes for Williams.. PF. Louisville Cardinals. MALIK WILLIAMS. A
PG. Louisville Cardinals. RYAN MCMAHON. A++. Ryan absolutely balled out. Ryan got whatever he wanted beyond the arc and took the game over when Winston fouled out. Thanks Dicky V!
A. Much like against Marquette guard Markus Howard last week, Fore hounded stud guard Cassius Winston. The Cards’ defensive specialist knows his role and guided the offense well too.. SG. Louisville Cardinals. KHWAN FORE
B-. Akoy brought intensity and heart but still continued to be in foul trouble. Akoy grabbed 4 rebounds in just 10 minutes and brought a calming presence when needed. Happy Birthday old man!. PF. Louisville Cardinals. AKOY AGAU
Next Up: Louisville travels to familiar non-conference foe Seton Hall on Saturday at noon. The Pirates are 4-2 with early losses to Nebraska and Saint Louis. Keven Willard always has his guys ready to go, and the Cards must be focused coming off of a big win. This is another good chance at a nonconformist win and a rare opportunity for a road one. Junior guard Myles Powell is leading the Pirates with 24 points a game and Cunningham/Fore/Perry will have their hands full once again.
Next. Looking back at what we learned from the NIT Preseason Tournament. dark
Look for VJ King and Steven Enoch to bounce back on Saturday and get back into the mix as consistent contributors for the Cards. The Pirates only play 8ish guys and the Cards must take advantage with their depth. In past seasons a letdown game might be at hand, but with this gritty group and the result of last night showing their growth (trust the process!), don’t expect any let up from the Cards.