Nova reads

by Mike Rutherford on Mar 13, 2009 4:59 PM EDT in Basketball

Cardinal Empire opines on the tourney thus far and then takes the Cards by six tonight.

The major subplot tonight is going to be whether or not Louisville is top-seed worthy. Well, it's nice to know that this guy thinks they are.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's head's in the right place.

"I’m just hoping they’re going to be a No. 1 seed," McConnell said of U of L.

"You know, even after Pitt and Connecticut had lost, I noticed on ‘Sports Center’ this morning – you can see where my mind is – they’re still not talking about U of L even being a No. 1 seed. The issue is Connecticut, after losing in six overtimes last night, is still going to be a No. 1 seed," said the senator, an avid U of L fan.

"I think Rick Pitino’s done a fabulous job," McConnell added. "He ought to be coach of the year. But they’re so used to his success, it gets no attention when he has a great year. If U of L wins the Big East tournament, they ought to be a No. 1 seed.
"And I think they have a legitimate shot at winning. I do think North Carolina’s the best team in the country, but it depends on who’s the best team the night they play if they get to play."

'Nova blog I Bleed Blue and White outlines what the Wildcats have to do to move on to the title game.

Take care of the ball - Louisville loves to use the full court press and they have had great success with it, leading to many easy baskets. Villanova should have the guard play to handle it, but Corey Fisher and Scottie Reynolds will need to play under control. They can’t afford to constantly turn it over.

Defend the perimeter - The Cardinals have a plethora of guards and forwards who act like guards. Villanova held Louisville to 3-25 from beyond the arc last time out, which was a big reason why they were able to climb back in the game. Earl Clark can get jump shot happy, even though he’s so tough inside. Force Louisville to take ill-advised shots.

Play through the pain - After a tough game with Marquette, it’s going to be natural for Villanova to be tired and sluggish. But this team thrives on grit and determination. They love scrapping and clawing. That’s what this game will end up being about. Louisville is flashy. Villanova works hard. Outwork them and see the rewards in the end.

We dominate Villanova when it comes to playing on Fridays. Bet the house.

Not related to the game at all, but this headline sounds incredibly inappropriate.

Key game stats:

Louisville	Key Team Stats	Villanova
74.0	Points scored	77.2
61.7	Points allowed	66.9
.451	FG% own	.460
.393	FG% opposition	.403
.356	3PT% own	.368
.304	3PT% opposition	.334
397	Offensive Rebounds	388
793	Defensive Rebounds	805
1271	Total Rebounds	1307
1.2	Assist/Turnover Ratio	1.1
17.3	Fouls Per Game	19.1

The Cards currently stand as a 4.5 point favorite, and this guy breaks it down and says expect them to cover...which means everything.

Game notes!

Mitch thinks 'Nova "at least" covers...SON OF A BITCH.

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Comments

Great post and write-up

or am I being nonsensical?

by BR7 on Mar 13, 2009 5:01 PM EDT reply actions

It's mutual - platonic, but mutual

I love the Senator McConnell reference; I always figured you for a Republican.

I really like the match-ups in this game, and view them to be in our favor. I do not see ‘Nova having the interior depth and height to control the paint or deny ball entry, and though I am sure ’Nova can handle our perimeter ball pressure and full-court press, I like Louisville’s chances of containing any substantial 3-point flurries, which is a significant part of their offensive scheme. Also, containing their dribble penetration is right in our wheelhouse. Let’s get a win.

by BR7 on Mar 13, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Republican?

If you look out your back window you might see Mike locked in a tight embrace with your oak tree.

by big east champs on Mar 13, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice preamble to the upcoming constitution

Quickly, though, when Sean called Devendorf’s “game winning” shot….I thought the call was so good, that it might have staying power…maybe be on the 100 year ESPN highlight real. It was a great, great call.

Anyway, getting back (???) to Michael’s 1980 U.S. vs. Russia Lake Placid tilt, I always thought he pulled the “Do you believe in miracles?” line out of his pocket, like it was “ready to use when needed.” Not a natural call.

Many people, and most people my age insist that the US/Russia game was on LIVE TV that night, when I KNOW that it was not. I was at a local AHL hockey clash at the exact time the game was being played and we were all mesmerized and pleasantly shocked as the PA announcer at the game kept giving us details.
http://www.nbc15.com/blogs/robbvogel/38653307.html

I still get into arguments about it.
Here’s to some great calls tonight.

by Roz on Mar 13, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions