By Chris O’Grady

 

With all the flare and festivity at Freedom Hall on Saturday, Feb. 6, it was easy to forget that there was a basketball game. But the University of Louisville men’s basketball team was able to able to stay focused and avoid what head coach Rick Pitino called a “trap game.”

“We’ve been in four or five wars recently that have taken a lot out of us,” said Pitino. “But the effort was good and the focus was good. We were able to get out of there with a win.”

The school honored the 1974-1975 Final Four team and former head coach Denny Crum at halftime. And if that was not enough, world-renowned boxer Muhammad Ali made an appearance on the court during a timeout.

“For the guys, it was great to see him,” said Pitino. “He’s the world’s most recognizable athlete. There was a moment of awe; then we realized we had a game to play.”

As for the game, the cards won 76-60.  Rutgers University never managed a lead. However, freshman forward Dane Miller, who finished with 17 points for the Scarlet Knights, kept the score close. Although a lot of players contributed to the win for the Cardinals, Pitino said sophomore forward Jared Swopshire was key for the team.

“Swop gave us a big lift offensively,” said Pitino. “He just keeps getting better and better. I think he has been the most improved so far this season.”

Swopshire, who had 13 points and 8 rebounds off the bench, said the coaches put a particular emphasis on preparation for this game, to help avoid the trap game.

“We couldn’t take them lightly,” said Swopshire. “We were really well prepared. The season is almost over and every game is important.”

Also key for the Cardinals’ attack on Saturday were senior guard Jerry Smith and sophomore forward Samardo Samuels. Smith scored 17 points and Samuels recorded a double-double, with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Smith, pointing to Georgetown University’s loss to the University of South Florida earlier in the week, said the team was especially focused on beating Rutgers.

“Anybody can lose to anybody in this game,” said Smith.

The win moves the Cards to 15-8 for the season, and 6-4 in the Big East. Pitino will give the team two days off, before preparing for a road trip to St. John’s University on Feb. 11, and then to 5th-ranked Syracuse University on Feb. 14.