Game day links

While most of their brethren have tried to mold themselves into jump shooters more comfortable on the wing than in the paint, Padgett and Hibbert are throwbacks. Athletic but not exactly dynamic, they have become dominant players in arguably the nation's most physical conference by doing the little things well.

"I think we're the last of a dying breed,'' said Hibbert, who is averaging 13.1 points and 7.0 rebounds for the Hoyas.

"We're probably two of the only true post players there are in college basketball still,'' Padgett added.

Sure, Hibbert has added a soft 16-foot jumper to his repertoire, while Padgett has evolved into one of the best passing centers in the country, setting up at the high post while finding teammates darting to the basket. Yet their true talent lies in the block, where a good head fake and seal can neutralize even the most ill-intentioned of defenders.

Their pet moves are straight out of ESPN Classic. The 7-foot-2 Hibbert's baby skyhook is nearly impossible to block, while the 6-11 Padgett has become a master at getting opponents off their feet with a shot fake leaving them watching helplessly while he slides by for a layup.

Call it old school. Call it fundamentally sound. Just don't call it boring.

Pitino says he wants his players to remain on an even keel and not get too high emotionally for one opponent over the other, but there's no doubt the Cards will be at a fever pitch as they try to end Georgetown's six-game winning streak.

In addition to the conference and national implications -- UofL would probably rejoin the Top 25 for the first time since December with a victory -- ESPN's Game Day crew will be on hand and fans are being encouraged to wear white to the game as part of a "White Out" promotion.

"I don't think you can help but get more excited for a game like this," Padgett said. "They're the No. 1 team in the league, one of the top five or six teams in the country. If you're a competitive athlete, you look forward to games like this. We've been playing pretty well, but this is going to be our toughest test so far this season. It's going to be an exciting game and fun. I think we're ready."

Pitino places an emphasis on the importance of not taking contested shots. In last year's 73-65 loss to the Hoyas, Louisville committed just one turnover, but Pitino says that's a sign the Cardinals didn't pass the ball very much and settled for quick shots.

"I chart it both at the NBA and collegiate level, and if you take challenged shots over the course of the season, you're going to shoot at the collegiate level, 28 percent or less, and at the pro level, 38 percent or less," Pitino said. "That's held true for a long time. Certain teams can make challenged shots; we're not one of those teams. We've got to take open shots and move the basketball around."

The Cardinals didn't take smart shots in their most recent loss, a 69-67 defeat at Connecticut on Jan. 28. They shot 40 percent , but more than half of their 60 shots were three-point attempts.

To make matters worse, they didn't have the right players taking those shots; 20 of the 33 attempts came from Williams, senior Juan Palacios and sophomore Earl Clark -- none of whom are shooting better than 30 percent from beyond the arc.

On the flight home, Pitino harped on the importance of taking good shots; he even pulled aside players and showed them the rushed and contested shots they took against the Huskies. The message seemed to get through. In the two games since -- blowout wins over Rutgers and No. 16 Marquette -- the Cardinals shot 49.5 percent.