It’s likely been a long week for the University of Louisville men’s basketball team.
First the Cardinals have had to digest their 63-52 loss to Duke last Saturday. Then, they’ve had to deal with the what-was-supposed-to-stay-behind-closed-doors news (or non-news, according to coach Rick Pitino) of Montrezl Harrell giving up his captaincy.
Tenth-ranked UofL (15-3, 3-2) will try to put those two things behind it Sunday, when it plays at Pittsburgh (13-6, 3-3). Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. in the Steel City. The game will be nationally televised on CBS.
“Pitt’s had a great winning record at home, nearly 88 percent, and certainly, they have a great home court with their student body,” Pitino said of the Panthers, who are 9-1 at home this season. “It’s always been a tough place to play and we’re looking forward to it. Obviously it’s a nationally televised game, and I know our players are fired up about it.”
Sunday’s game is the renewal of an old Big East rivalry between the two teams. The Cards beat the Panthers in seven of 12 meetings, including three of four at Pitt, in their old conference, so the hosts are likely to be amped up too.
The Panthers started the season 4-3 before winning six straight. They have split their first six ACC games, though, losing at N.C. State (68-50), to Clemson (71-62) and at Duke (79-65 on Monday) while beating Boston College (61-60 in overtime), Florida State (73-64) and Georgia Tech (70-65).
Pitt is led by 6-9 sophomore forward Michael Young (13.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg), 6-7 sophomore forward Jamel Artis (10.5 ppg, 5 rpg), 6-3 junior guard James Robinson (9.7 ppg, 4.7 apg), 6-5 senior guard Cameron Wright (9.4 ppg), 6-6 sophomore swingman Chris Jones (8.9 ppg) and 6-1 sophomore guard Josh Newkirk (7.5 ppg, 3.5 apg).
“They rebound great, they’re very good defensively, they’re very active with their hands, Pitt doesn’t change a whole lot,” Pitino said at his Friday press conference. “They built their reputation on solid fundamentals - great defense, great rebounding, toughness. They’re doing it once again.”
Photo courtesy University of Louisville Men’s Basketball Facebook Page
