The Cards came in with momentum after a solid home win against the Clemson Tigers that helped snap the program’s longest losing streak since the 1940’s. However, the never-ending up tempo style of UNC basketball prevailed in a 70-63 win for the Tar Heels. Even in a losing effort there were some positive things worth noting for Louisville basketball.
First and foremost the effort was there. There have been a number of games this season in which many fans have often questioned whether or not the team was still engaged. Clearly Mike Pegues’ comments acknowledging his own shortcomings as a coach must have helped. The Cardinals came out fired up in the 1st half!
Secondly, Louisville’s starting unit had three double figure scorers, which kept them in most of the game. Jae’lyn Withers, Dre Davis, and Malik Williams all had 10 points a piece. North Carolina center Armando Bacot was a force in the middle tallying together a double double and wreaking havoc in the front court all game long.
In the end, Louisville simply was unable to convert on offense in the final 3 minutes in a competitive loss to UNC. Regardless, it was a loss. A game against Wake Forest looms big for the Cards as they hope to prevent another losing streak. Every game matters at this point. As long as the players play hard I do not think fans should have very few things to complain about in what has been a trying year for the program. It’s time to build some March momentum.