The Cardinals are now in the midst of a 3 game losing streak after a very tough week of basketball. With losses to two of the bottom 4 teams in the ACC, things look bleak. I would not be surprised if they found themselves in the bottom by the time the year is over.
Empty Yum Center
The Cards took on NC State Wednesday night at a dormant Yum Center. A normally electric building was completely dead. Unfortunately, Louisville matched that energy in a 79 – 63 embarrassment to the Wolfpack. I was downtown before the game and usually there is a buzz around Yum; however, you wouldn’t have even known there was an ACC basketball game about to be played. It was shocking how quiet the area around Yum was and how quiet it was inside. The team looked just as disinterested as the whole city must be in men’s basketball at the moment.
Turnovers, Missed Shots, and Bad Defense oh my
The game started very slow, but it was close halfway through the first half. I’m guessing all the players felt the lack of energy, which contributed to a lackluster start for both sides. The lackluster effort only continued for Louisville, however. With 7:50 left in the 1st half, it was tied 18-18. By 5 minutes left in the 1st half it was 31 – 18 and that was pretty much it. Louisville finished the half on a mini run making it 35 – 27, but I could tell this team was dead. Some spurts in the 2nd half got them to within 5 at times, but it was never going to be enough. 13 total turnovers and 46% from the field doesn’t help either. While allowing a bad NC State team to shoot 56% including 48% from three. The defense used to be the only saving grace and now that is gone too.
If he does then that’s a hell of a story but…
— State of Louisville (@thestateoflou) January 13, 2022
I’m not sure Chris Mack comes back from this. Just horrifying. 17 point loss at home to a .500 team you beat on the road?
This isn’t Louisville basketball. It’s humiliating. And it may only get worse.
Spoiler: It got much worse.
I did not have a great feeling going into this season. I never imagined it would get this bad. pic.twitter.com/CShb6pu6ja
— Mike Rutherford (@CardChronicle) January 13, 2022
?: Coach Mack following tonight’s game against NC State https://t.co/Jr91LxEO26
— Louisville Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) January 13, 2022
Losing Streak Extended at Pitt
Following a blowout loss at home to a terrible NC State team one may think, this can not get worse right? That is where one would be completely wrong. Just when I think rock bottom has been hit for this team, they find new ways to do it. Impressive if I’m being honest. It feels like a free fall that may never end. Just keep falling and falling and falling. Shouldn’t be too much to ask to just beat Pitt. Hard to do only scoring 53 points. 7-10 Pitt has their way and wins by DOUBLE DIGITS!?!? When you shoot 33 percent from the field that’s what will happen. Hard to believe that this is what it’s come to, but here we are. I don’t have much else to add to this embarrassing performance. I don’t see Chris Mack coming back. Hard to make a case for him.
?: Coach Mack following today’s game against Pittsburgh https://t.co/hqkFsJMfdX
— Louisville Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) January 15, 2022
Chances to End the Losing Streak
2 home games for the Cards this week give them a great chance to end this losing streak. First against BC. Another sub – par ACC team that they should have no issue with. Then Saturday afternoon against ND. Saturday will feature Russ Smith’s jersey retirement, so the energy in the Yum Center will surely be high.
It’s #RUS2 week‼️@Specter_Smit pic.twitter.com/b08BpbcXyB
— Louisville Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) January 17, 2022
8️⃣
— Louisville Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) January 18, 2022
3️⃣1️⃣
3️⃣5️⃣
4️⃣2️⃣
Next: 2️⃣
https://t.co/GfbQaxfxbQ
A Louisville legend will be back Saturday, giving fans a reason to celebrate. The National Champion and All – American will have the number 2 retired, hopefully bringing much needed energy to this current team.
