By Andrew Hornback
The University of Louisville men’s basketball team won its third straight Big East game, by defeating the Red Storm of St. John’s University on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Senior guard Jerry Smith led the Cardinals, with 16 points, going 12-of-14 from the free throw line. Sophomore forward Jared Swopshire added 15 points, while junior guard Preston Knowles also recorded double digit points, with 12.
The Cardinals out-rebounded the Red Storm, 43-32, while forcing 12 turnovers.
“They play very tough defense and make it difficult to score,” said head coach Rick Pitino. “We had to match that intensity. Without question, I think the key for us was getting to the offensive glass. We did a great job on the offensive boards, and that gave us second opportunities.”
Trailing 32-28 at halftime, U of L used a 12-1 run to jump ahead to 58-46 midway through the second half.
“Louisville did a terrific job in the second half,” said St. John’s head coach Norm Roberts. “They made shots and we didn’t…Louisville did a good job of hitting the offensive glass and getting to the 50-50 balls. We got to them in the first half and they did a much better job of that in the second half.”
Next up for the Cardinals will be No. 6 Villanova University on Monday, Jan. 11, at Freedom Hall. The Cardinals defeated the Wildcats last year, in Philadelphia.
