For those that read this site regularly, you know I’m an avid University of Louisville sports fan, and I’ve been rather critical of the basketball team on more than one occasion back in December. I’m back to happily eat a little crow after watching two thrilling victories over ranked opponents on the road (Pittsburgh and Marquette) this past week. Last night’s win came courtesy of Jerry Smith’s bomb at the buzzer to steal a two point victory over a tough Big East rival. Marquette isn’t an easy place to play, and Tom Crean gets his team really prepared to play Louisville. The rivalry is rather weird in the fact that Marquette wins here in Louisville quite a bit, and we seem to win nail biters in Milwaukee.
This team has apparently gotten it, and I was (gladly) wrong about them. Not all is great and wonderful as the team hasn’t officially made the Big Dance, and there is still some question whether they even will (ranked #51 in the latest RPI ratings). I’ll give Rick Pitino his due–he’s done a good job with this bunch, and the team appears to be peaking at the right time. Whereas I felt like this team wouldn’t even make the Big East Tournament, I now believe we’ll be a tough out in the Big Dance should we get there. I’m not backing off my stance that this was an awful team in December–losses to Dayton and UMass validate that on their own. Getting absolutely burried by Notre Dame in early January doesn’t look too hot either. If this team doesn’t make it into the NCAA Tournament though, it can personally thank Dayton and UMass. Take those two losses away, and our record looks very respectable. Six losses to good competition won’t get you questioned by the selection committee whereas those two A-10 will serve as a big black eye on our tournament resume.
There are big games remaining on the schedule, but things look very promising. I only hope we don’t slip back into our December ways.
I’m enjoying my crow today very much, thank you.