It’s a Dickensian nightmare.
The best of times. Worst time.
A tale of two halves.
So, the answer to the question I’ve been asked repeatedly over the past few weeks. . .
. . . “No, obviously we’re not ready to beat Duke.”
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** ** ** **
Long after Duke took over the game with a nine-point run to take a 56-53 lead, there was one play that underscored why.
With hopes fading and trailing by seven points, L.A. used a beautiful full-court press. But Duke — better, faster, truly savvy — threw a few passes, and truly talented rookie Cameron Boozer hit a bunny shot for a 75-66 advantage.
Jon Scheyer — a respectable and sensible GOAT successor — made some adjustments in the first half. Louisville couldn’t do anything they did in the beginning.
The result — 84-73 — was inevitable and unstoppable. Yes, redundant, but used for emphasis.
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After draining 10 of their 21 triples in the first, the Cards went 2/17 in the second. Most of those were initiated after halftime by non-LAS long-range shooters.
Credit goes to Blue Devil D.
Khani Rooths was +13 in the opening twenty minutes of the game and limited the winner’s ace better than any other Cardinal. Then only three minutes were played after halftime.
I can’t explain this curiosity.
Although more physical training wouldn’t have changed the results for him.
Los Angeles never trailed in the first quarter, taking the lead with 19:02 left.
Three early turnovers and some missed shots after halftime took the wind out of L.A.’s sails. and the energy outside the building.
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** ** ** **
It seemed like an omen when Aly Khalifa drained a 3-pointer early to take a 12-9 advantage.
Even more so when he hit three more before the break.
But no, Duke won’t let that happen again. Except for that meaningless triplet at the end.
In other smart changes after halftime, Scheyer realized his point guard could get off the bounce and get Caleb Foster to let go. His field goal percentage in the second quarter was 7/8, all at the basket.
Yes, I’m talking about the Cardinals’ foes more than usual. Duke is just better.
But let me be clear. The U of L game wasn’t that bad. They are more competitive than Tennessee and Arkansas. They were just thwarted and just not good enough.
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** ** ** **
Of course, the FT gap is a big one.
Day: 19/28. Left: 9/12.
But Louisville was called for only three more fouls than the Blue Devils.
Yes, there were some questionable — let’s say bad — calls. In the first game, Rose’s performance at the basket was shocking. Cameron Boozer sprinted ten feet on the hardwood in the second quarter with the ball in his hands and no whistle.
While it was a statistical difference in the game, it wasn’t the reason U of L lost.
Or so I would propose.
It’s not fun to watch.
Not easy to write.
that’s all.
— CD Kaplan
