Rolf was apparently laid up all yesterday with what, from all indications, is merely some sort of weird infection of his female parts. So…. Bobby E here, jumpin’ in to bring you up to date on the buzz saw that is the Louisville Cardinals right now.

Yesterday, in front of 25,721 men, women, children and Otto the Orange, the University of Louisville Cardinals thoroughly dismantled eighth ranked Syracuse and came away with their seventh strait win and first ever against the Orange in the Carrier Dome. Louisville dominated from the opening tip, though Syracuse was able to remain close throughout and even pulled ahead with just under 3 minutes to play. But with 2:06 to go Earl Clark, mustered every ounce of the spirit of Gus Johnson, RISED AND FIRED a contested three pointer that was good from the moment it left his hands to give Louisville a lead they would eventually stretch to the final margin of 67-57.

Syracuse was held to only two field goals over the final seven minutes, and a team averaging over 80 a game, could not get to 60. Clark finished the game with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Twill added 15 points and 9 boards to go with 5 steals and 3 assists. And the ever improving (though disputed) Edgar Sosa had 13 points, 3 boards and 3 assists to go with ZERO turnovers.

Eric Devendorf led the Orange with 20 points and Arinze Onuaku added 11 points and 9 boards. Following Clark’s three he calmly knocked home two free throws and from there Syracuse just couldn’t connect. Williams hit a jumper as the shot clock expired and Sosa and Samardo Samuels both hit two free throws as the Cardinals pulled away. Louisville hit all six of their free throws over the final minute and a half and moved to 6 – 0 in the Big East Conference.

Not to be lost in this game was the stellar performance by 6-9 Freshman Terrence Jennings. Jennings played 18 minutes off the bench, providing 9 points, 5 boards and 2 blocks. His first half play was so inspired, Slick Rick sent him out to start the second.

TJ: BECOMING A BEAST

Up next for Louisville the Cards return to the Hall of Freedom for a three game stretch. Wednesday they will host the South Florida Stan Heath’s. They welcome Huggie Bear’s Mountaineers on Saturday; and then on Big Monday host more than likely 2nd ranked Connecticut.

In honor of the bread-baking down under Rolf, it’s time.

The Good – Louisville committed only 10 turnovers for the entire game and played with such composure and discipline throughout.  Well coached, well prepared, and well executed.

The Bad – Earl Clark had 7 of those turnovers.

The Ari Wolfe – Noon tip. This game started waaaay too early. Bobby had a rough Friday night, and then stayed up til 5am Saturday night, sweatin’ bullets as Roger Federer nearly unforced errored away all of my Centsports.com earnings.