Louisville Basketball: No Fight for the Fighting Irish

On February 10, 2013, the University of Louisville and Notre Dame played a “knock down, drag out” 5-overtime game. The Fighting Irish prevailed 104-101. Louisville did not lose another game on the way to the National Championship. That took grit, determination, and persistence.

Last night Louisville had none of that and no fight for Notre Dame. The game was almost a carbon copy of the blowout loss to Pitt featuring a history-making 41-point performance by Blake Hinson. Braeden Shrewsberrry dropped 23 points on the Cards including 7 three-pointers.

Louisville's coach, Kenny Payne, remains confident in his team's abilities. During the ACC Coaches Call on Monday morning and in the post-game press conference, he expressed his belief that winning each day will ultimately lead to success on game days. Payne said, "...my mentality is that I win every day. I want to win tomorrow in practice. I want to win tomorrow in film session."

Tick Tock KP

Payne and the team had a chance to prove themselves and secure a victory by playing four out of the last five games at home against weaker ACC teams. The game against Notre Dame was winnable, particularly with Ty-Laur Johnson and Skyy Clark being cleared to play. Clark played well, scoring 18 points, but Johnson didn't make much of an impact. Notre Dame is not a strong team when playing away, as they had only managed to win one away game before last night's match, which was against #21 Virginia at the end of last year.

Tick Tock KP

Louisville's defense has been problematic throughout the year, particularly when it comes to protecting the three-point line. The offense did not perform well against Notre Dame. In the first half, at the four-minute timeout, Notre Dame had missed seven shots in a row, but Louisville was unable to capitalize. The second half was much the same, with the Cards managing to reduce the lead to eight, only for Notre Dame to hit two three-pointers. It was over.

Tick Tock KP

Louisville has six days to prepare for the #7 Duke Blue Devils. Win every day, beat Duke! Then take three straight at home.

Make us believe, KP !

"...why do I think it could be turned around because these are young people
and anything possible... um, we work really hard we believe in what we do um...we’re not perfect um but I think these kids care about being good basketball
players ...I think they care about this city...I think they care about this University .. the community...I think they want to make people proud…”
"

- Kenny Payne

Tik Tock KP!