- Albeit a close game, anytime you have Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng combine for seven total points, it could be hard to beat just about anyone.
- Cards were right on par with their average of 11.4 steals a game with 12. That led to a 21-6 advantage in Points Off Turnovers. That kind of advantage is not typical in a loss.
- Just under 37% of Louisville’s offense came from Russ Smith’s 25 points. Chane Behanan and Wayne Blackshear added nine each and Montrezl Harrell come off the bench and chipped in eight.
- Prior to the match-up against the Orange, Louisville’s past three games had a minimum 73% average at the free throw line (two above 85%). The Cards regressed back to below average form connecting on 13-20 for 65%.
- While averaging three double figure scorers per game, Syracuse’s defense allowed only one. Russ Smith (25).
- By the numbers, things couldn’t have been much more even. Both teams made 24 field goals with seven made three pointers. The difference in the game was at the free throw line. Both teams had 20 attempts, but Syracuse made 15 of their 20 attempts while the Cards only knocked down 13 of their 20 attempts. There is your argument for the importance of hitting the freebies folks.
- After earning three or less blocks in the last few outings, Gorgui Dieng decided it was time for a block party with five blocks to his credit. Saturday was the first time this season Gorgui had five but has reached four blocks two other times. Deing also with a season high six assists.
- With Peyton Siva’s season low three points on one made basket, you had Chane Behanan with a career high four steals. Good with the bad I guess.
- After allowing an insane 60.9% field goal shooting in the first half to the Orange, the Cards turned in an abismal 29% rebuttal in the second half.
- Bright spots: Behanan’s 11 rebounds & four steals, Russ’ 25 points, Gorgui Dieng’s five blocks and six assists, Harrell’s eight points and three boards in 14 minutes off the bench, Wayne Blackshear, Kevin Ware and Montrezl Harrell played a combined 44 minutes with zero turnovers.
January 20, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Good games guys. No hard feelings here, our guys played a hell of a gme. The only negative thing I have to say is that Blackshere should have gotten more mins, Syracuse extended there zone 2nd half, that’s where Blackshere could have shine. I like Luke, but lets b honest he’s slower than my grandma, maybe we should try taping a cheetah to his bac lol. Can’t wait to play them guys again.