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Louisville basketball: Where are the advantages & disadvantages against Kentucky?

By Alan Thomas

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 05: Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts after making a three pointer against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Watsco Center on November 05, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 05: Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts after making a three pointer against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Watsco Center on November 05, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 21: E.J. Liddell #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass after grabbing a loose ball as Johnny Juzang #10, EJ Montgomery #23 and Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats defend during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Buckeyes defeated the Wildcats 71-65. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 21: E.J. Liddell #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass after grabbing a loose ball as Johnny Juzang #10, EJ Montgomery #23 and Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats defend during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Buckeyes defeated the Wildcats 71-65. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

On ball defense: Advantage Kentucky

One thing is for certain in this matchup. Coach Cal will bring that quick, disruptive defense to Louisville’s ballhandlers.

This is a tactic that gave Coach Mack’s bunch a ton of trouble last season at home. The object is to throw a wrench in the offensive flow of Louisville’s offensive technique, and I think they’ll bring it again this year, especially up top.

Calipari knows the struggles at guard that the Cardinals have had this season, and he will bring traps in weak spots and he will instruct his players to body up on Louisville dribblers.

It’s smart.

He knows one way to break down a physical team is to hit them before they hit first. And hit them harder than they will hit you. It taps into the mental aspect of a player who is zoned in and amped up before tip-off. Then, you get hit in the mouth and everything you thought would go right, just doesn’t…and as a player, frustration sets in.

All you have to do is watch that Texas Tech game film.

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