| Game Preview: Syracuse | Date: Feb. 10, 2000 |
| Site: Freedom Hall | Records: U of L: 12-9, Syracuse: 19-0 |
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| Now that the Cards have ended their four-game losing streak, and finally won a game on the road, they have one of the toughest challenges on their schedule. But this challenge is also a fantastic opportunity for U of L. A win over Syracuse, who is coming off their first loss of the season last Monday against Seton Hall, would go a long way in erasing some of U of L's most recent losses, and really give them a high-quality win as they prepare to make their case to the NCAA Tournament selection committee. It would also bolster the team's confidence as they get ready for the stretch run. All told, U of L couldn't ask for a better shot at redemption. Naturally, however, it won't be easy. |
| In winning 19 of their 20 games so far this season, Syracuse has averaged 78.6 ppg, second in the Big East. The Cards absolutely must apply the same type of defensive pressure they have lately in order to contain the Orange, but even if they don't, it wouldn't hurt the Cards to be drawn into a high-scoring game. The last time U of L scored as many points as they did against Memphis (74) was the 75 they had in beating Utah. The Cards also scored 72 in their win over DePaul. The trick is that Syracuse is holding opponents to only 61 ppg, tops in the Big East. (For reference, U of L is scoring 74.5 a game and giving up 67.8.) It really seems to be a matter of defense, and which team can do a better job of taking the other out of its offensive rhythm. |
The Orange come at you with a very balanced attack. They have four players averaging in double-figures with two others at 9.1 a game. They are led by Etan Thomas, who is tops on the team in scoring at 14.8 ppg and rebounds with 9.1 rpg. Ryan Blackwell is another double-double threat, averaging 11.5 ppg and 8.1 rpg. And just as impressive for Syracuse is point guard Jason Hart. Reece Gaines has a lot to learn from Hart, who on top of averaging 11.6 ppg is also handing out 6.5 assists an outing. For the season, Hart has 123 assists to only 70 turnovers, an incredible ratio. The Cards have surprised some ranked teams so far this season, and they were competitive against No. 1 Cincinnati. The question is has Louisville really turned a corner now that they are back in the win column again, and even if they are, do they have it in them to put forth the type of effort to knock off the fourth-ranked team in the country.
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| Game Summary: Syracuse | Score: Louisville 82, Syracuse 69 |
| Leading Scorers: U of L: Tony Williams (20) Syracuse: Jason Hart (16) |
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| Another Thursday night ESPN game against a nationally-ranked team, another brilliant performance from the Cards. Losing streak? What losing streak? Although Syracuse was playing its third game in six days, and was missing starting forward Damone Brown to injury, the Cards played with concentration and intensity the entire game, and with the exception of a five-minute stretch in the second half, dominated the entire game. Tony Williams scored 20 point with eight rebounds, and Marques Maybin had a great game himself with 16 points as the Cards sent Sryacuse to their second straight loss after they won their first 19 games. |
| Reece Gaines also had a solid game for U of L, scoring 12 points to go along with his six assists, five rebounds and only two turnovers. U of L had 22 assists for the game, and moved to 19-0 in their last 19 games when scoring at least 80 points. U of L committed only 13 turnovers and shot a blistering 57.6% from the field, including 6-13 on three-pointers. Uncharacteristically, Gaines was 2-2 from beyond the arc, including a key three that gave the Cards a seven-point lead after 'Cuse had pulled within four at 64-60. Syracuse, on the other hand, shot 43.8% from the field and was a miserable 5-19 from three-point range and 8-17 from the line. Syracuse was led by Jason Hart's 16 points, while forward Etan Thomas had 12 points and nine rebounds. For the game, the much taller and bigger Syracuse outrebounded U of L by only 36-35. |
| Leading 32-24, Louisville got a tip-in by Williams and a layup by Gaines to force a Syracuse timeout with 5:36 left in the first half. A three-point play by Nate Johnson gave the Cards a 46-36 halftime lead; the Cards shot 61% and outrebounded Syracuse 18-15 in the opening period. In the second half, the Cards led 64-52 with 10 minutes to play, but an 8-0 Orange run, including a dunk by Thomas, cut the lead to four. Gaines then hit his key three-pointer, Dion Edward hit a jumper and Syracuse never threatened the rest of the game. U of L made 5-6 free throws in the final 1:30 to ice the game. |
