January 30th Rollout: Cincinnati-Louisville Primers
By Chris Bains
Jan 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Troy Caupain (10) questions a call during the second half against the Temple Owls at the Liacouras Center. Cincinnati defeated Temple 80-76. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Decently important game tonight. Here are some previews you can peruse.
Preview: Louisville Cardinals v. Cincinnati
"Wayne Blackshear will look to continue to stay hot–over the past three games he is averaging 16 points per game. Blackshear started the first 17 games of the season, but has excelled off the bench in the previous three games."
"The Cardinals, as you probably know, are led by Russ Smith (#02) and his 18.1 points a game. But in AAC play, Russ has stepped it up a notch – averaging 20.1 on 46% FG shooting. And he’s not alone on offense: 4 other Cardinals are averaging double digit points this season. In fact, UL leads the AAC in points per game (83.2) AND scoring margin (+21.4)."
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Louisville Cardinals Preview
"Louisville is also clicking offensively behind a changed lineup with senior Luke Hancock starting alongside sophomore Montrezl Harrell. Both have scored in double digits the past two games with Harrell notching four double-doubles in the past five."
No. 13 Cincinnati Visits No. 12 Louisville on Thursday
"Louisville (17-3, 6-1 American) has won four in a row after posting an 86-47 road win at USF on Jan. 22. Four Cardinals scored in double figures led by Luke Hancock and Montrezl Harrell who posted 14 points each. Russ Smith had 12 points while Mangok Mathiang added 10 points."
Louisville Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Bearcats: Preview
"Chris Jones has been an important part of this basketball team, especially in the first part of the year. It is a hard job trying to fill the shoes of Peyton Siva, but Jones faces a harder challenge now. While being out a couple weeks with an oblique injury, Chris Jones has had to watch his team play their best basketball of the year with him on the bench. He’s had to watch a freshman, Terry Rozier, start in place of him and succeed"