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Louisville basketball: 3 positive takeaways from loss to Virginia

By Jacob Lane

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - MARCH 07: Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots over Mamadi Diakite #25 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on March 7, 2020 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - MARCH 07: Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots over Mamadi Diakite #25 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on March 7, 2020 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – JANUARY 25: Steven Enoch #23, Jordan Nwora #33, Darius Perry #2 and Dwayne Sutton #24 of the Louisville Cardinals take the floor in the second half of a game against the Clemson Tigers at KFC YUM! Center on January 25, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville defeated Clemson 80-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – JANUARY 25: Steven Enoch #23, Jordan Nwora #33, Darius Perry #2 and Dwayne Sutton #24 of the Louisville Cardinals take the floor in the second half of a game against the Clemson Tigers at KFC YUM! Center on January 25, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville defeated Clemson 80-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Louisville’s unique lineup versatility was evident against Virginia and should be an ongoing trend

Louisville went into Saturday’s contest still dealing with the same injuries they have been now over the last few weeks. That meant Malik Williams wasn’t likely to play, nor was center Aidan Igiehon, all while Steven Enoch and others continued to deal with nicks and bruises.

What was once a deep front-court was now depleated and it’s forced Chris Mack to get creative with his lineups. Due to Williams being out for an extended period at the beginning of the season, Louisville learned to win with unique lineups that included playing Dwayne Sutton at the five in small bursts.

With Enoch or another big not on the floor, Louisville could still expect to contend on the glass with Sutton and Jordan Nwora, while spacing the floor out with five players who can shoot and attack off the dribble.

As Louisville got down by double-digits late in the second half and the game started to look out of hand, Chris Mack made the decision to go small against an athletic but slower front-crout of Virginia and it paid off. With Sutton at the five, Mack was able to play scorers Samuell Williamson, Ryan McMahon, Darius Perry, and Fresh Kimble alongside Jordan Nwora and David Johnson and it opened up the court in a big way.

Louisville was really good with Enoch on the floor for a good chunk of the game, but as we’ve talked about for the last few weeks his inability to pass out of double-teams has been a focal point among opponents game plans. His four turnovers became a liability and instead of allowing Virginia to get a leg up, Mack went small and long.

Expect this trend to continue and be a big advantage for Louisville through the ACC tournament into the big dance. Louisville has the weapons to go small or big and it’ll be up to Chris Mack to be able to make the proper adjustments as he did against Virginia.

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