5. Foul trouble causes lineup issues most of the night
Who knew the main character of this game’s story would not be a single player, but instead the various whistles issued from the referees (mainly against the visiting team in black). The foul disparity in this game was quite shocking, with Louisville committing 25 fouls when compared to Cal’s 16 fouls. Cal shot 13 more free throws than Louisville because of this massive difference. This high total of fouls created issues for the Cardinals, especially in the first half. Pat Kelsey had to run a wide variety of lineups, with players sometimes playing with 2 fouls out of necessity.
Even amid the foul madness that unfolded throughout the game, Louisville stayed poised and relied on its senior leadership and elite bench play to maintain its consistent lead. When Cal came knocking with their ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line, the Cardinals would answer quickly on the other end of the floor with some of the most efficient offense the Cardinals have run so far this season. This win in a game with such adversity thrown their way is an excellent sign of things to come in ACC play for the Cardinals.
4. Defensive intensity keeps Cal offense in check
Louisville’s defensive woes against worthy opponents were nowhere to be seen tonight at the start of conference play. The Cardinals’ defense had abundant intensity from the tip, keeping the Cal offense in check most of the night, with only a few major runs present in the game. At times, the only offense Cal could muster was to draw questionable foul calls and get points from the free-throw line. Louisville made a statement to the ACC that they are right there with Duke as one of the teams to beat once again this season.
The defense will always play second fiddle to the offense when Pat Kelsey is the coach. That does not make it any less critical to the final result of each of these games. Playing defense at a high level, as the Cards did tonight, will go a long way as Louisville navigates its long conference schedule. Let’s hope the continued intensity and physicality on the defensive end stay around and show signs of improvement from the lessons learned against Tennessee and Arkansas.
3. Sananda Fru leads the big men in minutes, and he still needs more
Louisville is just a much better team with Sananda Fru on the floor, point blank. Fru’s physical presence both in the paint on offense and on defense gives Louisville the best possible option for the center position. He takes highly efficient shots, mainly from the paint, and makes them at an incredibly high percentage. Fru also posts consistently strong rebounding numbers, including 14 rebounds that he pulled in against Cal. His play complements the Pat Kelsey system better than any other option currently on the Cardinal bench.
It’s a big ask to play extended minutes in Pat Kelsey’s fast-moving system and style of play. However, Fru is the key, especially down low in the frontcourt, to Louisville reaching its goals of playing in the Final Four at season’s end. Aly Khalifa is fine and does provide a different dynamic on offense with his elite passing ability. However, this skill does not overshadow the defensive liability he can be, as well as his inability to create his own offense down in the post. Fru has to be the man in the middle for Pat Kelsey the vast majority of the time moving forward.
2. Ryan Conwell with a masterclass performance…as expected
It’s becoming almost predictable to guess who the leading scorer and the best offensive player on the floor will be night in and night out. Senior Ryan Conwell continues to put together an absolutely incredible season, one that should raise the eyebrows of those individuals tasked with selecting award winners at the end of the season. Conwell was electric in Louisville’s win against Cal, posting 26 points on 8 for 16 shooting (6 for 13 from 3-point land. He also added four rebounds, four assists, and 2 steals to cap off an All-ACC performance.
Conwell continuing to heat up as the Cardinals enter conference play is nothing but a great sign for Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals. Depending on how long the Mikel Brown Jr. injury will keep him sidelined, Louisville will need its best offensive weapon to keep bringing the heat and offensive intensity night in and night out. Louisville’s offense is a strong force when clicking at a high level. However, it takes Ryan Conwell playing at the top of his game for the offense to peak.
1. Adrian Wooley has emerged as one of Louisville's top weapons
What an absolutely valuable weapon Adrian Wooley is becoming for Pat Kelsey. The sophomore guard is perhaps the most improved player on this Cardinals squad so far this season. While freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. has been dealing with a lower back injury, Wooley has stepped in and played lights out basketball in his absence. This game against Cal was not different, as Wooley finished with 21 points on 9 for 14 shooting (3 for 7 from 3-point distance).
Having Wooley playing his best basketball adds another near-unstoppable element to an already vicious Louisville offensive attack. This was all part of Pat Kelsey’s plan when he brought in Wooley, along with Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely, in the offseason transfer portal window. Just when you think you have one shooter/scorer under wraps, another will be right there to knock down the shot or pick up the offensive slack for the others. It has worked well for Louisville thus far this season, with hopes that Adrian Wooley can continue to improve and maintain his status as yet another guy who can get you a bucket.