Louisville Basketball: Outduels Silverswords, Takes Home Win

Louisville basketball bounces back from their loss to the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears with a win over the Chaminade Silverswords. This is the first time since the 2004-2005 season that the Cardinals have played the Silverswords. Taquan Dean led the way for the Cardinals with 21 points followed closely behind by Ellis Myles with 16 and Francisco Garcia with 14.

El Ellis, the leading scorer in their win this year, was about to turn six years old the last time these two teams went head-to-head. The Cardinals-Silverswords matchup had all but ended until this season for an exhibition game.

The morning of this game was an onslought of Louisville news, primarily positive for the University of Louisville. The IARP announced its ruling for the University and the penalties were rather minor. However, the release of the ruling allows for Louisville to move forward with freedom in recruiting because there is no longer an impending retribution lingering over the program.

Former Head Coach Chris Mack mentioned after the ruling that the cloud over the program was “irreparable in recruiting.” Coach Mack dealt with more than the average fan knows and what he accomplished here in the midst of it all is commendable.

Despite his efforts, he was let go from the program and Kenny Payne was hired to fill his shoes. Now, Coach Payne can have a clear direction in where he wants to take this program, and in regards to the history of Louisville basketball, that is to the top.

The journey to the top begins with success and the Cardinals were able to defeat the Chaminade Silverswords even if it was an exhibition game. Ellis netted 28 points after a stale showing against Lenoir-Rhyne and carried the team by playing for 38 minutes. He is the most important piece to the success of this Louisville team.

Jae’Lyn Withers picked up where he left off against the Bears by finishing with 17 points and 9 rebounds nearly missing his second consecutive double-double. In his first game, he proved himself to be a reliable spot-up three-point shooter with three three-point field goals made in the first half. He ended that game with four total and finished this game with three more.

Joining them as key contributors to this Cardinals offense is junior forward JJ Traynor. The reaction to his hustle was all positive and even suggested that he become a starter for Coach Kenny Payne.

Traynor finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds, but the impact he made on the floor shows up in areas that cannot be calculated. With a 6-foot-8 lean frame, it gives him the ability to have an impact on the game just by his sheer size. But he compacts that with his hunger for success and his ability to influence his teammates around him.

The Louisville fanbase and the players would have loved if this team had won convincingly but this season is all about progress. And the biggest bump in our way was the IARP’s ruling and with that in the rear view mirror, Louisville can begin to build its program back into the elite conversation that it was in for so many years.