It was a major non-conference win for the Cardinals on Saturday as they traveled to Indianapolis and left with a win against the No. 22 Indiana Hoosiers 87-78. This win comes off a disappointing performance earlier in the week on the road against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Coach Pat Kelsey took the last few days to get that loss out of their minds while addressing the issues that reared their ugly heads during that game. Louisville basketball was in control most of the game, setting the pace and keeping its distance from the Hoosiers.
The win comes during an incredibly difficult stretch of the non-conference schedule, with games against rival Memphis and the Tennessee Volunteers upcoming. Getting the win here re-establishes Louisville’s confidence and places the Cardinals right back into the discussion as a Final Four team. Their performance, especially in front of a mostly Hoosier crowd, was inspiring and showed that they can take care of business away from home and in turbulent environments.
Here are five observations from Louisville's major non-conference win against the Indiana Hoosiers.
5. Interior defense provide major improvement from Arkansas performance
One of the biggest concerns after the loss to Arkansas was the lack of intensity on defense and Louisville’s inability to keep defenders in front of them. Although Indiana is not as athletic a team as Arkansas, there was a dramatically different effort level and attention to detail against the Hoosiers. The Cardinals dominated in the 1st half, holding the Hoosiers to only 27 points. The Cardinals also dominated with deflections and around the rim, recording nine steals and 5 blocks in their efforts yesterday.
One of the keys to Louisville’s success last season was the ability of Pat Kelsey to get his guys to buy into being a defensive force. It led to many wins, especially on nights where shooting was less than stellar. If Louisville wants to make a deep run in March, more of the same intensity and focus on display today will need to continue game to game, and especially during ACC play. There will be slip-ups here and there when shooting is off, and the offense isn’t clicking. But playing good defense is something the Cardinals can control and excel at.
4. Senior leadership steers the ship in tough environment
Four of the 5 top scorers from yesterday's game were senior leaders for Pat Kelsey’s Cardinal squad. The scoring started with Ryan Conwell, as expected, one of the most consistent scoring stars in the country to this point in the season. He was the best player on the floor and led by example. The following scorers are the most encouraging for the Cardinals, especially during this rugged stretch of the non-conference schedule.
Seniors J’Vonne Hadley and Isaac McKneely both were next in line with the scoring, ending with 15 points a piece. Both were key in providing momentum stopping scores at moments where it appeared Indiana was starting to gain some traction on Louisville’s lead. McKneely seemed to have his flawless shooting stroke in prime form, hitting back breaking 3 pointer after 3 pointer against the Hoosiers. Hadley added key scoring moments down low, dominating the interior and getting almost any shot he wanted both in transition and in the half court offense. Add in senior Kobe Rodgers’ 12 points when Mikel Brown Jr. struggled and got into foul trouble, and you have the makings of a mature, senior led squad primed to make a run in March.
3. Sananda Fru continues to evolve into a dominant interior threat
As the season progresses, incoming center Sananda Fru is quickly becoming a force in the middle for the Cardinals, both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Fru played perhaps his best game of the season against the Hoosiers, posting 12 points on 3-3 shooting (yes, he completed all of his attempts), seven rebounds, three steals, and one block. He was easily Louisville’s best interior presence throughout the game, and the go-to man for the position during crunch time. The cheers of “Fru” could be heard throughout the arena as he completed each fantastic play.
Fru’s development has been an incredible bright spot for the Cardinals in a position where Louisville struggled with consistency last season. His ability not only on the defensive end but especially in the post, with incredible hands and versatility in his shooting, has done nothing but increase the efficiency of Pat Kelsey’s offense. He has been very smart with his shot selection and has been able to execute them at a high level. His increased emergence will be a key part of Louisville’s late-season title hopes.
2. Every punch Indiana threw, Louisville punched back
One of the most inspiring aspects of this Louisville team is its ability to compete game to game. In this contest in particular, Indiana got down early to the Cards, but kept making runs to try to build momentum and get back into the game. However, every time a big shot or a massive dunk came from the Hoosier end of the court, Louisville raced back down the way and silenced the crowd with a timely 3-point shot or an easy basket in transition. It happened time after time, further annoying the Indiana crowd.
Having this ability to answer time and time again will be crucial as the Cardinals enter conference and postseason play. There will be games where the Cardinals may have struggles or give up timely runs and plays to the opponent. Being able to calm the storm with a quick answer and put yourself back on track toward winning is a sign of maturity and is much needed down the stretch.
1. Ryan Conwell shines in homecoming performance
The perfect chapter of Louisville’s story this season was written on Saturday, when senior guard Ryan Conwell returned to his hometown to put his talents on display. He did just that in this game, finishing with 21 points on 3-7 shooting from 3-point land, four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and even one block. He padded the stat sheet in multiple facets and made his presence known all afternoon with his play on the court. It was a prime spot for Conwell to shine, and he did just that for the Cardinals.
This performance comes at the perfect time for Conwell after a less-than-stellar performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Getting him back on track, especially with his 3-point shooting, was key for the Cardinals as they face a tough non-conference stretch right before the holidays. Having one of your star players playing his best basketball is easily a recipe for success, and puts Louisville in a better position to bolster its NCAA tournament resume in the early stages of the season.