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Louisville basketball: Cards win 15th straight against No.11 Virginia Tech

By Presley Meyer

BLACKSBURG, VA - FEBRUARY 04: Dwayne Sutton #24 of the Louisville Cardinals looks to dribble while being guarded by Ahmed Hill #13 and Ty Outlaw #42 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum on February 04, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - FEBRUARY 04: Dwayne Sutton #24 of the Louisville Cardinals looks to dribble while being guarded by Ahmed Hill #13 and Ty Outlaw #42 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum on February 04, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /
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Louisville basketball had one day to get ready for a road match-up with No.11 Virginia Tech after a tough loss to North Carolina on Saturday, and did just that by leading wire-to-wire in an outstanding bounce-back win.

The one day turnaround in ACC is one of my favorite but least favorite things about Louisville basketball’s schedule each season. Selfishly as a fan, I love not having to wait four or five days to watch my Cards play, but at the same time after playing an opponent like North Carolina and then traveling to play Virginia Tech, scares the ever loving crud out of me.

Louisville officially launched into the toughest part of the schedule with Monday’s matchup at Virginia Tech, coming off of a disappointing home loss to UNC over the weekend.

The Cards kicked ass and took names in this one. They took the lead just over a minute in, and led for the remaining 39 minutes. Louisville took advantage of Tech’s lack of size and depth, and brought the hustle that they lacked at times against North Carolina.

Louisville was led once again by the usual suspects: Dwayne Sutton and Jordan Nwora, with a healthy dose of Christen Cunningham. However, the huge difference-maker in this one was Ryan friggin’ McMahon.

After sinking three free throws when he was fouled on an attempt from deep, McMahon hit 3’s on back-to-back-to-back possessions, effectively putting the game out of reach just when it seemed Virginia Tech was gaining some momentum.

Tech battled back to cut the lead to 6 at one point, but a combination of Dwayne Sutton, Jordan Nwora, and McMahon steadied Louisville to the finish. This was an absolutely gutsy win against a team that hadn’t lost at home since… last year when they played the Cards in a black out game environment. The did it on a 48 hour turn around in a game where they didn’t even have time for a traditional walk through or their usual game day routine due to issues with their flight in to Blacksburg.

The Cards brought all of the intangibles that they lacked in some off down games against North Carolina, Pitt, and Kentucky. When they bring the hustle, grab more 50-50 balls and stay strong on the board, and sprinkle in some hot shooting from McMahon, they can beat anyone. It went largely unnoticed that Khwan Fore, Christen Cunningham, and Darius Perry combined for 7 points, and that Jordan Nwora and Malik Williams had off shooting nights. Why? Because Louisville played unselfishly, gave 100% for every loose ball and rebound, and was determined to find a way.

MVP: Dwayne Sutton is easily the MVP. The guy continues to find himself in the vacinity of every important play, grabbing every loose ball, every possible rebound, and being incredibly efficient from the floor. Sutton is only in his second year as a Card, but feels like a 5th year senior.

LVP: Allison Williams came at Chris Mack with a question about officiating- something Mack is not allowed to comment on- trying to stoke the fire. And, well, if you mess with the bull, you get the horns, Lefleur. Mack did not take too kindly to his being questioned about the officials.

X-Factor: Ryan McMahon single-handily turned a 3 point lead into a 12 point lead in less than 90 seconds of game action. The Cards are tough to beat when McMahon is hot.

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