Preview DePaul at (5,7) Louisville : Bobby E’s Breakdown

Date: Sunday, February 15th
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST
Site: Freedom Hall (18,865) in Louisville, KY
Series History: UofL leads 32-21 (18-7 in L’ville, 14-12 @Chicago, 0-2 neutral)
Last Meeting: UofL 88, DePaul 68 (Feb. 12, 2008 in Rosemont, Ill.)
National Rankings: UL No. 5 AP, 7 ESPN/USA Today (Feb. 9)
Officials: Ed Corbett, Bob Donato, Paul Faia

Louisville (18-5, 9-2) returns to the Hall of Freedom for the first time in two weeks to host the DePaul Blue Demons.  The Cardinals look to bounce back after suffering their worst loss in eight years, a 33 point demolition at the hands of Notre Dame this past Thursday. The last time UofL lost by that much was Feb. 11, 2001 when they fell 106-72 to Charlotte.  Louisville shot 39 percent in the loss and have now clanked up an abysmal 33.6 percent (96-of-286) in its five losses this season.  Conversely UofL has hit 45.5 percent of its shots in its 18 victories. Also in that loss Notre Dame became the first team to shoot over 50 percent against the Cardinals this year (.538). And the 48-28 beating on the boards was the Cards’ worst rebounding deficit since Marquette held a 49-25 advantage on the boards on Jan. 15, 2000.

It is hard to focus on the positives for UofL after Thursday night’s debacle, but when you perspect it was just one game, and take a look at the entire season thus far, there are some bright spots among Cardinal players. Edgar Sosa has 17 assists with only six turnovers in the Cardinals’ last seven games while also improving his play at the defensive end. Terrence Williams has shot 46 percent from the field (57-of-124) and 35 percent from three-point range (12-of-34) while averaging 13 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals in BIG EAST play. Earl Clark has scored in double figures in 24 of his last 28 games dating back to last season; while Freshman Samardo Samuels has scored in double digits in 15 of the Cardinals’ 23 games.

DePaul comes into Louisville winless in the BIG EAST at 0-12 and at just 8-17 overall.  Despite the lack of success this season, all indications are that Jerry Wainwright will return for at least one more year.  DePaul hasn’t won a game since a home victory over Alcorn State on December 28th, 2008.  The Blue Demons have lost 12 in a row and 13 of their last 14.  In their last five losses, DePaul hasn’t even come close to a win, with 15 points being the closest final margin (76-61 vs. Marquette on Feb. 3rd). 

Sophomore forward Dar Tucker leads the Blue Demons in scoring, averaging 18.5 points and 5.1 rebounds. Junior guard Will Walker has scored in double digits in 10 of his last 11 games (averaging 12.8), including pouring in a career-high 30 against Marquette (Feb 3rd). While sophomore forward Mac Koshwal is in the top five in the BIG EAST in rebounding, averaging 10.0 rebounds and adding 13.5 points per contest.

DePaul has done a good job taking care of the ball, ranking 53rd nationally in fewest turnovers (12.6 per game). This statistic should be put to the test against a Louisville defense that should be very active and eager to reestablish itself as one of the nation’s elite.  They won’t be helped by the fact senior guard Jabari Currie is out for the remainder of the 2008-09 season with a left knee injury. He stood as the only four-year senior on DePaul’s roster and concludes his collegiate career ranked among all-time leaders in assists, games played and three-point percentage at DePaul.

Bobby E’s Gamebreaker: JUST DO IT!!!

DePaul is not good, so there really isn’t a big threat of an upset here. This is a perfect game for the Cardinals to regroup and begin their stretch run towards March. DePaul hasn’t won a game in this series since Feb. 25th, 2004 and don’t look for them to win Sunday. Barring a complete and total collapse, the Cardinals win this one big.

About 50 former U of L men’s basketball players are expected to be in attendance for Cardinal Basketball Lettermen Day when the Cards face DePaul on Sunday. Among those expected to be recognized at halftime of the game are Phil Bond, Corky Cox, B.J. Flynn, Bud Olsen, Phill Rollins, Marv Selvy, Rolf’s boy Derwin Webb and many more. The list includes representatives from teams as far back as Leon Ford, who played for the Cardinals from 1948-52.

The game will be televised on ESPNU with Jim Barbar (play-by-play) and Mark Adams (color) calling the action.  You can also hear the game broadcast on WHAS (840 AM) by Paul Rogers (play-by-play) and Bob Valvano (color) or on SIRIUS satellite ch. 123, XM ch. 144. This will also be the final game broadcast on La Caliente (WTUV, 620AM/105.7 FM) in Spanish with Carlos Lucio and Elvis Martinez calling the action.