Seton Hall couldn’t figure out what to do because Dieng didn’t spend all day in the paint. When your big man can come to the top of the key and put in baskets, the other team knows they’re in trouble. Dieng went for a season high 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and two steals
Smith went Russdiculous, of course. He poured in 19 points, including a perfect 10 for 10 from the free throw line. His five assists tied Siva’s and his two steals seem a little low considering how ball hungry Smith can be.
Forward Luke Hancock had a perfect shooting day; the kind Cardinal fans have been waiting for. 4 for 4 from the field, 3 for 3 from the arc, 2 for 2 from the stripe all add up to a 13 point outing for the George Mason transfer. And for good measure, he dished three assists.
Seton Hall had an early rebounding edge, but the Cards erased that in the second half as both teams finished with 31 apiece. Coach Pitino wants more, way more, particularly from Wayne Blackshear who had an off game. The only number of note on his stat sheet were the 4 personal fouls he committed.
Next for Louisville is a Wednesday trip to Chicago to take on DePaul. It’s a late game, tipping off at 9:05. They don’t return to the KFC Yum! Center until Monday, March 4 for a huge rivalry matchup against Cincinnati.
Photos: Louisville.com/Tim Girton
