Within 3 minutes of the second half, the Cards took the lead even though Siva also committed his third foul. What that showed, though, is that the Louisville press started to affect the Hoyas. And it was perfect time for Luke Hancock to play as highly he's been touted. He gave the Cards 12 points and 3 rebounds in his most effective game in a long while.
It helped when the three ball stopped going in for Georgetown. But other absurdity occurred. Chane Behanan got an elbow to the face and got called for committing the foul. But after seeing how the game was played, coach Rick Pitino didn't protest that much. Behanan continued to have minimal offensive effect on a game and he’s got to figure out how to turn that around.
The Hoyas kept up their scrappy play but so did the Cards and the long afternoon continued. Georgetown climbed back into the lead as the best backcourt in the nation continued to struggle. Siva and Smith had trouble finding their range. Siva’s hurt more so than Smith because Smith at least looked to shoot. Siva only took 2 shots, missing them both. And his dribble penetration didn’t do much since he never went to the free throw line. If Siva hit his average, the Cards win. But it wasn’t to be.
Georgetown's long range shot came alive again late, even though Louisville played better defense. Countering for the Cards was Russdiculous, trying to put the team on his back. He made nearly impossible shots after bricking quite a few early in the game.
The Cards got a chance at the last shot on a late jump ball and Siva got a look at the basket, He took the shot but missed, like on every one of his shots in the game. This ends up being Louisville's first three game losing streak three years.
Photo: Louisville.com/Tim Girton
