By Andrew Hornback
The University of Louisville men’s basketball team struggled in the first half of their first exhibition game against the Tigers of Georgetown College. However, the Tigers, who are ranked No. 7 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, were not able capitalize on the Cardinals’ mistakes. Louisville rallied in the second half to win 80-68.
After committing 13 turnovers and recording only eight assists, the Cards faced a 35-31 deficit at halftime. The Cards shot only 10-of-31 from the field during the first half, and trailed by as many as nine points at times.
The second half saw the momentum and score swing to the Cards’ favor, as they took the lead midway through the half. After a 25-7 run, the Cardinals comfortably held the lead for the rest of the game.
The slow start from the Cards was no surprise to head coach Rick Pitino.
“To be honest, I didn’t think we would win,” said Pitino. “We weren’t really ready to open tonight.”
Sophomore forward Samardo Samuels led the team, with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Samuels finished 9-of-12 from the field, with the game high in rebounds, as well as three blocked shots. Sophomore guard Kyle Kuric came off the bench to add 15 points and seven rebounds. Senior guard Edgar Sosa added 12 points and four assists.
Highly-touted freshman point guard Peyton Siva, coming off the bench, played 17 minutes. Siva scored only six points, but collected eight assists and six steals, both team highs.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4 the Cardinals will face the Bellarmine University Knights, the No. 1 Division II team in the country. This will be their second and final exhibition game before heading to St. Louis on Nov. 17 to open the regular season against the University of Arkansas in the Hall of Fame Showcase.
