A lot on the line Saturday

[HRTheCard]

A chance to get a quality ranked road win (if Clemson beats Boston College tonight and is 13-1).

It will also tell us what we should expect the rest of the season. @ Clemson and @ Florida State are two huge games that can make or break the rest of the season.

 

[TopCatCal]

Yeah, do us (UK) a favor & beat Clemson. The more Clemson loses & the worse they look. That can only help us with our chances to sign Zion Williamson.

 

[Senore2006]

Yeah, do us (UK) a favor & beat Clemson. The more Clemson loses & the worse they look. That can only help us with our chances to sign Zion Williamson.

The next Savior, lol.

 

[CardChipper]

Yeah, do us (UK) a favor & beat Clemson. The more Clemson loses & the worse they look. That can only help us with our chances to sign Zion Williamson.

good grief trolls everywhere

 

[zipp]

Slapd!ck to the rescue. Now we have a win-win and a nice upside to a loss...

 

[HRTheCard]

Slapd!ck to the rescue. Now we have a win-win and a nice upside to a loss...

Predict clemson game

 

[Cue Card]

It will be a difficult game. On the road in the ACC is brutal. IDK if the Cards can beat a really good Clemson basketball team in South Carolina but if we can go 1-1 in the next 2, that would be a huge boost for sure.

The Cards have to rebound better than they've been rebounding to have a chance. We'll also need some easy transition baskets. IDK a great deal about Clemson other than it appears they don't go much over 7 deep. Maybe we can get them tired.

 

[nccardfan]

Clemson isn’t very deep, only 5 starters scored against BC. However, all starters average double figures. Main guy is 6-8 Grantham who led them in virtually every stat. Could be a bad matchup for Spaulding/Mahmoud/Williams. They are pretty good defensively and from 3 pt. They will be pumped for Saturday. We need to bring it to win.

 

[TheRealVille]

As it will be all year, the Cards can win if they make a good percentage of the 3's they take. They can beat Clemson if they go 8 for 17 from the 3 and go back to making their FT's. But if they go 4-22 from the 3 it's a double digit loss.

Padgett obviously gives them the green light to shoot. Guys are shooting 20 percent or worse jack up 3's like they're Taquan Dean. Sooner or later they're going to figure out how to set up those 3 pt shots. The off the dribble 3's kill us. Snider, McMahon and King should have plays to set them up for 3's. Everybody else should take less 3's. Watching Perry and Sutton jacking up 3's ten seconds into the shot clock is frustrating as hell.

Offense needs to be tightened on who shoots 3 pt shots.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

There's really not a lot on the line tomorrow... or I guess... later on today. It's the 2nd game of conference play in the first week of January.

Clemson's top 5 players are Jr/Sr and a few of them are transfers so they are very experienced and have a pretty big edge going into the game that is being played @ their place. Last time the Cards played @ Clemson the Tigers shot like, 8,000 FTs.

The Cards figure to struggle in all road games.

There's an opportunity @ Clemson but the Cards are a clear underdog and losing @ Clemson is to be expected.

If the Cards win it will be a pleasant surprise for sure. And I'd love to return to the board after the game and discuss how they did it.

Key to winning might be getting them to go deep into their bench - they haven't gotten much production from anybody out of their top 5. It's not quite mission impossible but I'm expecting a loss.

 

[TheRealVille]

I'm pessimistic as well. Clemson will shoot 25 FT's and Ray and Anas will both have two fouls in the first half.

Cards will have to make a good percentage of shots and rebound the ball to come out with a win. Clemson is a 6 point favorite. Maybe they will relax expecting the win?

 

[HRTheCard]

There's really not a lot on the line tomorrow... or I guess... later on today. It's the 2nd game of conference play in the first week of January.

Clemson's top 5 players are Jr/Sr and a few of them are transfers so they are very experienced and have a pretty big edge going into the game that is being played @ their place. Last time the Cards played @ Clemson the Tigers shot like, 8,000 FTs.

The Cards figure to struggle in all road games.

There's an opportunity @ Clemson but the Cards are a clear underdog and losing @ Clemson is to be expected.

If the Cards win it will be a pleasant surprise for sure. And I'd love to return to the board after the game and discuss how they did it.

Key to winning might be getting them to go deep into their bench - they haven't gotten much production from anybody out of their top 5. It's not quite mission impossible but I'm expecting a loss.

There's a lot on the line because it will be our best win and is a very winnable game. I'll be upset with a loss tomorrow honestly. This is a great chance and one the few winnable road games we have. It'd be great to get this win because Clemson is a solid and ranked team. However, I think UofL can win this one and should. Clemson did not have a single bench point the other night vs Boston College. That to me tells me that our bench is better and will be necessary to win tomorrow. If at all possible we can get a starter in foul trouble, that should hurt Clemson's chances. Let me just say that I say there is a lot on the line because if we were to lose this one, then ugh on the rest of the road games.

 

[Cue Card]

There's a lot on the line because it will be our best win and is a very winnable game. I'll be upset with a loss tomorrow honestly. This is a great chance and one the few winnable road games we have. It'd be great to get this win because Clemson is a solid and ranked team. However, I think UofL can win this one and should. Clemson did not have a single bench point the other night vs Boston College. That to me tells me that our bench is better and will be necessary to win tomorrow. If at all possible we can get a starter in foul trouble, that should hurt Clemson's chances. Let me just say that I say there is a lot on the line because if we were to lose this one, then ugh on the rest of the road games.

The ESPN indicator is giving the Cards a 20.2% chance of winning. That suggests you are going to be upset this afternoon.

I really hope you are not upset this afternoon.

Go CARDS!!!

 

[LouisvilleKid79]

I learned my lesson.

I’m expecting a loss at Clemson today.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

There's a lot on the line because it will be our best win and is a very winnable game. I'll be upset with a loss tomorrow honestly. This is a great chance and one the few winnable road games we have. It'd be great to get this win because Clemson is a solid and ranked team. However, I think UofL can win this one and should. Clemson did not have a single bench point the other night vs Boston College. That to me tells me that our bench is better and will be necessary to win tomorrow. If at all possible we can get a starter in foul trouble, that should hurt Clemson's chances. Let me just say that I say there is a lot on the line because if we were to lose this one, then ugh on the rest of the road games.

The most winnable conference road games are Pitt and....

LOL it just gets real dicey.

But it's a long season and opponents will have their problems too.

Example - Cards catch ND with Colson injured, that is a big break, and though it's a house of horrors for UofL in S. Bend that is probably the next best chance to get a road win - at this time. We just don't know what kind of teams the opponents are going to have when the Cards come to town this year.

We do know at this time Clemson is a healthy one loss team.

You're saying UofL should win - that's not what Vegas is saying. And honestly, that's the reality of expectation. But, the Cards can win if they limit turnovers and play a tough game on the interior and hit the glass in a way we haven't really seen yet this year. Cards will need a monster game out of Ray pushing 30-35 min, not just a nice streak of good play from him.

As others have mentioned sharp shooting will probably be required also.

 

[HRTheCard]

Just as I said. Clemson is not good. Louisville is just worse. No one can walk away and tell me that wasnt Louisville’s to win.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

But, the Cards can win if they limit turnovers

That's the ball game hop!

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Just as I said. Clemson is not good. Louisville is just worse. No one can walk away and tell me that wasnt Louisville’s to win.

Cards pretty much gave it away, agreed. But I still don't see how there was a lot on the line.

And that goes to my point, there wasn't ever a lot on the line because the reality is the Cards are a mediocre at best team. Mediocre at best teams find many ways to lose games over the course of the season.

Not to say give up on the team, and not to say don't support the team, it's just probably a good idea to stop building up the importance of any of these games when the team you want to win is an NCAA bubble team at best, if they stick together and catch a few breaks along the way.

 

[zipp]

I'm not sure how a game like today's can surprise or frustrate anyone after losing to the slapd!cks by almost thirty points. We know what this team is capable of...

 

[LouisvilleKid79]

I'm not sure how a game like today's can surprise or frustrate anyone after losing to the slapd!cks by almost thirty points. We know what this team is capable of...

Right! It’s time for many fans to temper their expectations. I know I have. This team is currently a bubble team at best. I just hope it doesn’t completely spiral out of control.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

I'm not sure how a game like today's can surprise or frustrate anyone after losing to the slapd!cks by almost thirty points. We know what this team is capable of...

Been trying to help these guys out with it but they aren't ready to fold their tents.

I would take the OP in a foxhole any day.

But this team is what it is and the situation is what it is.

 

[HRTheCard]

Do you all really think we wouldve lost by 30 if Kentucky’s name wasnt on the jersey? Probably not. I’d argue that Seton Hall and Purdue are better than them. Nonetheless, a loss today shouldnt have happened.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Do you all really think we wouldve lost by 30 if Kentucky’s name wasnt on the jersey? Probably not. I’d argue that Seton Hall and Purdue are better than them. Nonetheless, a loss today shouldnt have happened.

Agreed - this team shouldn't lose to anybody by a large margin.

But, throughout a season, teams lay eggs.

This team has been through a lot of turmoil, more than a typical group, so at times they may look mentally gassed.

 

[Louisvillian]

In other news yesterday...

#2 Duke loses @ unranked NC State 96-85

#5 Xavier loses @ unranked Providence 81-72

#7 Oklahoma loses @ #6 West Virginia 89-76

#12 No Carolina loses @ #8 Virginia 61-49

#14 Arizona loses @ unranked Colorado 80-77
#17 Kentucky loses @ #23 Tennessee 77-66

#22 Arkansas loses @ unranked Auburn 88-77

#11 Texas A&M loses @ home to unranked LSU 69-68

Unranked Louisville loses on the road to #25 Clemson in OT by 5.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......

 

[HRTheCard]

In other news yesterday...

#2 Duke loses @ unranked NC State 96-85

#5 Xavier loses @ unranked Providence 81-72

#7 Oklahoma loses @ #6 West Virginia 89-76

#12 No Carolina loses @ #8 Virginia 61-49

#14 Arizona loses @ unranked Colorado 80-77
#17 Kentucky loses @ #23 Tennessee 77-66

#22 Arkansas loses @ unranked Auburn 88-77

#11 Texas A&M loses @ home to unranked LSU 69-68

Unranked Louisville loses on the road to #25 Clemson in OT by 5.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......

UNC is 12-4 with one of those losses being to Wofford. Yet we have some (including myself) complain about losing to Uk, SH, Purdue, and at Clemson. All ranked teams. 2 were very winnable (SH and Clemson), probably should have won. Had we won those 2 games, everybody would be looking at us differently, but with the situation at hand, 0 resume wins unlike others, we are on the bubble due to that and who the HC is.

 

[HRTheCard]

The difference between us and other schools is that no one believes we can turn it around whereas they have a proven coach. That's why we look so bad nationally.

 

[Cue Card]

The difference between us and other schools is that no one believes we can turn it around whereas they have a proven coach. That's why we look so bad nationally.

Lot of truth in what you say. This team is closer to putting it all together than most want to believe. Once Padgett gets that one really good win, people will start having more faith. They're close. Maybe Wednesday night.

 

[Louisvillian]

The difference between us and other schools is that no one believes we can turn it around whereas they have a proven coach. That's why we look so bad nationally.

True enough. It looks like DP has done a respectable job, considering everything but it’s hard to imagine our team making any significant leaps.

I though it was (and still hold out hope for) possible that with the talented youngsters getting early exposure, they could be a boon in February with an experienced starting 5. So far, we’re a little behind schedule for sure.

 

[HRTheCard]

Lot of truth in what you say. This team is closer to putting it all together than most want to believe. Once Padgett gets that one really good win, people will start having more faith. They're close. Maybe Wednesday night.

True enough. It looks like DP has done a respectable job, considering everything but it’s hard to imagine our team making any significant leaps.

I though it was (and still hold out hope for) possible that with the talented youngsters getting early exposure, they could be a boon in February with an experienced starting 5. So far, we’re a little behind schedule for sure.

Have to hope for a win on Wednesday if we want any respect but Im not seeing it. Plenty of other opportunities down the road, but right now, losing Wednesday would mean that we've lost 3 out of our last 4. We will probably beat VTech at home. We all know how @ Notre Dame goes. Idc who they have on the court, that's an automatic loss unless we come in and steal the luck of the Irish. So that'd be 4 out of 6 losses. Have to start winning and closing out games at some point.

What I saw at Clemson was what I saw vs Seton Hall and at Purdue. So for not much to change late game similar situations is a bit concerning.

 

[Louisvillian]

Have to hope for a win on Wednesday if we want any respect but Im not seeing it. Plenty of other opportunities down the road, but right now, losing Wednesday would mean that we've lost 3 out of our last 4. We will probably beat VTech at home. We all know how @ Notre Dame goes. Idc who they have on the court, that's an automatic loss unless we come in and steal the luck of the Irish. So that'd be 4 out of 6 losses. Have to start winning and closing out games at some point.

What I saw at Clemson was what I saw vs Seton Hall and at Purdue. So for not much to change late game similar situations is a bit concerning.

Try to enjoy the games. Sometimes you pick up some really good stuff in the process.

 

[HRTheCard]

Try to enjoy the games. Sometimes you pick up some really good stuff in the process.

It's just like UofL did everything right besides 21 turnovers yesterday. Then Uk game they couldnt shoot worth a lick. Then some games offensive boards, etc. Every single game there is something different. Trying to wish for 1 complete game against a good team.

 

[Louisvillian]

It's just like UofL did everything right besides 21 turnovers yesterday. Then Uk game they couldnt shoot worth a lick. Then some games offensive boards, etc. Every single game there is something different. Trying to wish for 1 complete game against a good team.

Understand. Even without NCAA problems, the watering down of College basketball due to the NBA eligibility rules (among other things), has made College basketball teams an inconsistent mess.

Sunday: #1 Michigan State gets blown out at unranked Ohio State 80-64. That’s the same Buckeyes team that Clemson blew out in Columbus by 14 points this year......More to come..

 

[nccardfan]

Up till now, DP has coached predictable to me. Since day 1, he’s gone with the experienced players and on paper makes sense. He’s also looked at the stats and saw where playing Williams instead of Mahmoud was more productive but didn’t work at Clemson. As an armchair coach, I would have tried early on to start Perry but his game has gone south. Another thing I might do is to start McMahon instead of King but I really think he’s trying not to hurt feelings. I think he’s got a good basketball mind and he’ll figure it out if we give him a chance.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Every single game there is something different.

I feel your frustration - eluded to this earlier in the thread.

Mediocre teams find multiple ways to lose games.

There is no consistency in any area, other than defensive length around the basket. The opposition adjusts to that advantage the Cards have after getting used to it also.

 

[nccardfan]

Understand. Even without NCAA problems, the watering down of College basketball due to the NBA eligibility rules (among other things), has made College basketball teams an inconsistent mess.

Sunday: #1 Michigan State gets blown out at unranked Ohio State 80-64. That’s the same Buckeyes team that Clemson blew out in Columbus by 14 points this year......More to come..

It is an inconsistent mess or more parody?

 

[eastwood45789]

Crybabies wake up. Pitino lost road games like this.

 

[zipp]

It is an inconsistent mess or more parody?

Agreed. There is definitely more parity due to watered down talent. That doesn't make it a "mess".

It does IMO make coaching ability more important since everyone has less talent to work with.

Crybabies wake up. Pitino lost road games like this.

Pitino was one of those coaches, but this is also true esp. in the ACC. Losing ACC road games is really the norm, not the exception...

 

[Louisvillian]

It is an inconsistent mess or more parody?

Both. Inconsistency and parity.