Big Red Louie
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Louisville basketball shows signs of life in win over Notre Dame

By Daniel Bien-Aime

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 23: Christen Cunningham #1 of the Louisville Cardinals brings the ball up the court in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at KFC YUM! Center on February 23, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 23: Christen Cunningham #1 of the Louisville Cardinals brings the ball up the court in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at KFC YUM! Center on February 23, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Louisville Basketball dominated Notre Dame and got their offense back on track, looking like the team that defeated multiple ranked teams this season.

Louisville basketball bounced back by defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after a tough eight game stretch. The Cards responded with toughness and grit after Chris Mack called out his team following the debacle against Boston College.

Team 105 played with a level of energy that hasn’t been on display in weeks; fighting for loose balls, punching Notre Dame in the mouth, attacking the basket and defending at a high level. Even when Louisville had a stretch where the Irish were hanging around and trying to make a comeback, the Cardinals did not wilt under pressure in comparisons to previous games.

Louisville struggled shooting the three today (2-22) and usually that can result in a loss for them, mostly in confidence. However, the Cardinals countered that punch with a strong paint presence, scoring 46 points in the paint. Louisville dominated the glass against Notre Dame out rebounding them 49 to 30 with 12 rebounds on the offensive glass. The Cards also had 18 points off the second chances opportunities. Louisville went 16-32 from two point shots.

Louisville was dominant on the defensive end of the floor limiting Notre Dame to 38 percent shooting. There was a stretch in the second half where Louisville held Notre Dame scoreless for over four minutes. If not for Notre Dame hitting nine threes, Louisville may have won by more than 20. Louisville played extremely well today.

Malik Williams arguably played his best game of the season contributing 16 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Williams had a plus minus of 16 and that was the highest on the team. His impact in the interior helped the Cardinals counter their lack of three point shooting.

This was an encouraging win that can give Louisville a confidence boost going into the postseason. They have  six days before they take on #2 ranked Virginia.

MVP: Jordan Nwora was exceptional throughout the game, he registered a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. His three point shot wasn’t falling but it didn’t affect his game.

LVP: Three point shooting was invisible as the team went 2-22. That’s less than 10 percent. Louisville is the second best shooting team in the ACC. If Louisville can get a combination of three point shooting and interior play, it will go a long way.

X-Factor: VJ King. Cards nation has a soft spot for him, whether it’s his coaches, teammates, or fans. He played well and brought an energy that was contagious. He had six points and ten rebounds and had a plus minus of 15 in 24 minutes of action. Louisville doesn’t win this game as easily if not for King.

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