Charlie’s Good Times: Louisville basketball falls to archrival Kentucky

The Good: Christen Cunningham 

While it is the Louisville grad transfers first time playing in the UL vs. UK game he was well aware of the magnitude of the rivalry growing up in Georgetown, KY. Cunningham showed he can play with elite teams of college basketball in Louisville’s early season games with the likes of Tennessee, Marquette, Michigan State, and Indiana and he poured in his season high of 20 points against the wildcats. Cunningham poured in his 20 points and added 4 assists while controlling the Cardinal offense during his 35+ minutes on the court. While this was not the outcome Cardnation was looking for there is promise in knowing the ball will be in Cunningham’s hands as the stacked ACC play is setting to gear up.

The Not So Good: Poor Shooting 

Heading into this game I said in the Big Red Louie’s predictions that Louisville had to rebound and they did that very well considering Kentucky’s height advantage, the Cards only lost the rebounding battle by one 34 -33. I also stated Louisville was going to have to shoot the three point shot at a high clip and that did not happen against Kentucky. Louisville shot just 36 percent from the field and just 25 percent from three point land. Bad shooting nights are going to happen it is basketball, it just sucks when those games are against Kentucky.

The Bad: Sloppy Play 

Louisville just seemed out of sorts all game getting back into double digits turnovers with 12 and so many of those were unforced errors just handing Kentucky extra possessions. That is the one of two glaring takes away I have from this game is the turnovers will kill you against a quality opponent and the ACC is filled with quality opponents.

My other big takeaway was Louisville just giving Kentucky whatever they wanted in the post. So many dunks and layups for Kentucky were a real difference in the final score, Louisville could have possibly overcame a bad shooting night and played the 16th team in the country much closer or maybe even won that game had the paint been better contested.

Wrapping it up Louisville just was not on with the exception of Cunningham. The only other Cardinal in double figure scoring should be no surprise with Jordan Nwora who poured in 17. After that no other Cardinal player had over 5 points (Enoch and Perry). To beat a team like Kentucky or ACC foes Duke, UNC, and Virginia Cunningham and Nwora are going to need some more help on the offensive end.

Up next for Louisville is the kickoff of conference play with Miami coming to town on January 6. Currently setting at 8-4 on the season the Hurricanes will present Coach Mack and the Cardinals with another credible foe. I have all the faith that Mack will have our Cards right back on track and ready for the tough ACC schedule that is up ahead, as always L’s Up and Go Cards!