Cards-Bearcats stats breakdown

Looking at the box score of Louisville's win over Cincinnati, a few stats stick out. Louisville shot 7 of 19 (36.8 percent) from three-point land. Compare that to their numbers during the three game skid: 7 of 27 against Seton Hall (26 percent), 9 of 25 against Pitt (36 percent), and 7 of 33 against Villanova (21 percent). So out of the last four games, the Cards have shot the highest two percentages from beyond the arc when taking fewer shots, all the while hitting at least the same number of three pointers. Suggesting that this team should take fewer three point attempts contradicts the sacred teachings of Pitino-ball. Far be it from me to spread any such heresies. Our guys at least should make sure the threes they take are good shots, squared up, the result of the ball passed into the post and back out, or the product of a Sosa or Siva drive-and-dish.

The Cards hit 15 of 19 free throws, almost 79 percent. Not only a good percentage, but also a healthy number of attempts, especially when compared with their opponent: the Bearcats only shot 4 free throws. Ballgame.

Cincinnati outrebounded us, but we still held our own on the offensive glass: 11 to their 14. Still, with Jennings and Samardo playing together at last (and assuming that continues), shouldn't we expect better rebounding? Each had five boards.