The Cards had lost 3 of 4 and endured a brutal back and forth and eventually dismissal from its senior point guard Chris Jones.  It’s been a rough week month.  But somehow, Louisville has won 3 games in a row. The last being today in Tallahassee against Florida State, who the Cards were favored over by just 5 on the road.  A 22-win on the road in a conference game in February is certainly a statement.  Following a dismissal of its starting point guard and 3rd leading scorer?  Maybe it’s more than that.

Florida State is not an NCAA Tournament team. But Louisville coming into this game was a team searching for an identity…or even just some sort of flow after coming off a disjointed Georgia Tech win in Atlanta where the Cards had to come from behind to prevail.

Florida State, however, hasn’t been beaten that badly since December 13th to #8 Notre Dame.  The Seminoles have played a great deal of close games against top level teams…..this game wasn’t close.

Now at 23-6 with two tough games remaining starting Wednesday vs Notre Dame and then Saturday in a revenge game vs. Virginia.  The Cards have an opportunity to knock off two top rated teams heading into the ACC Tournament.

Against FSU, Louisville had 6 players score in double digits and had incredible ball movement.  The Cardinals were able to do all of this with its leading scorer Terry Rozier shooting just 3-14.  But what did Terry do?  9 assists and SIX steals!  WOW.  That’s leadership when the shots aren’t falling do the other things.

Wayne Blackshear dropped 18 points and was extremely active.  Montrezl Harrell added 16……and Anton Gill added 14 on 5-5 shooting!  Unreal team basketball.  Much of it attributed to the play of Quentin Snider who stepped in the starting role now. Dare we say the offense looks better with Quentin Snider at point guard?

Rick Pitino said following the game, “This was the best team performance of the season.” And added later “We made a statement tonight.”

In 9 hours it will be March and Louisville Basketball is playing its best basketball of the season.

 

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@UofLSheriff50. Louisville native, University of Louisville Business School Grad c/o 2004. Co-Founder of TheCrunchZone.com

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