Fans who attend the University of Louisville basketball team’s early non-conference games are in the best position to witness key developments in a team that could be a contender in March. These games are critical to integrating all the new faces into a solid unit, building confidence and ensuring team chemistry.
Takes time for the process to get results. The opponents, with the rare exception of a Kansas in the exhibition opener, are not the most attractive, usually lacking tradition or stature. Not the kind of programs that will get the fans screaming at the top of their lungs. But the games are useful in identifying issues and weaknesses.
So when a program like Morehead State jumps ahead 6-0 over UofL, nobody is going to be overly concerned or panic. Louisville led the visitors by only 13 points at the intermission. The Cardinals will take care of business. It was a relief, however, when Coach Pat Kelsey team rattled off 33 straight points in the second half to bury the hapless Eagles. The final score was Louisville 107-57 over Morehead State in front of a crowd of 13,188 at the KFC.
These games also allow young players like Obinna Ekezie, Jr. to emerge from the pack of new faces. The freshman, who just celebrated his 18th birthday and reclassified for college a year early, is quickly turning heads. Making people wonder if he may be a one-year wonder. He led all scorers with 20 points, including three of six 3-point attempts, and was the leading rebounder with 13 boards.
Louisville had seven players in double figures. Ekezie was joined in double figures by Karter Knox (15), Adrian Wooley (12), Seth Trimble (11), Avaro Folgueiras (10), Flory Bidunga (10) and Isaac Ellis (10).
The Cardinals outrebounded the Eagles a whopping 59-23, including 20 rebounds on the offensive glass. Louisville also outscored Morehead State in the paint 48-24.
The schedule immediately becomes tougher with Louisville headed south for a game with arch-rival Memphis next Sunday at 1 p.m. The first of many grind-em-outs in the months ahead.
All L’s for Louisville during the TV commercial breaks (Mike DeZarn photo).
