The Cards debuted in the Big East in spectacular style, building a 24 - 2 lead against Seton hall. Gorgui Dieng was dominant early, making spectacular blocks (perhaps including a few uncalled goaltendings) and providing that inside presence so sorely lacking against... awww, forget it. Think happy thoughts. Gorgui had 6 boards and 5 blocks.
With every game he plays, Gorgui justifies why we Cards fans were so excited about him in the first place, even as some commentators made fun of us for over-celebrating his gained eligibility. The game goes better for us with Dieng on the floor.
My crucial player award for this game, however, goes to Stephan Van Treese. He ain't pretty (managed to foul a guy while laying on the hardwood -- twice), but he hustles and gets the job done on the glass which is the only New Year's Resolution I care about right now. Van Treese pulled down 10 rebounds tonight including 5 offensive. If he can keep up that effort, the 27 minutes he saw should become the norm for the next few weeks.
I asked before where the rebounding boost was going to come from. Answer for this game -- besides SVT -- the backcourt. Preston Knowles had 9 rebounds, Peyton Siva had 7, Chris Smith had 5. And Terrence Jennings had one. George Goode started and Pitino only gave Jennings 11 minutes in a game that wasn't really close, so I'm laying off TJ for the time being until events or mood swing dictate a change.
Has anyone ever seen his sky hook go in? Sorry, mood swing.
Stats here.
Rebound, rebound, rebound. The Cards won the battle of the boards tonight 45-33. Up next: South Florida on Sunday -- the Cards first game outside the state of Kentucky.
Good game. Conference win. Go Cards.
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