LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Adrian Autry got a year head start on Pat Kelsey in playing Mr. Fix-It for a flagging Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball program.
On Tuesday night, Kelsey showed he put Louisville years ahead of Syracuse, Autry and nearly the entire ACC on the path to national prominence. The Cardinals dominated the Orange, 85-61, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY
“Right from the start, we played a complete game,” Kelsey said. “I think we came out early, defending at a high level.
“I think it was maybe as complete a game as we’ve played all year.”
The one-sided victory extended Louisville’s winning streak to seven as the Cards improved to 13-5 overall and 6-1 in the ACC.
They trail only Duke, which explains why ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi listed Louisville as a top 8 seed in the NCAA tournament this week.
The Cards are 4-0 on the road in league play, and the loss was the biggest in ACC play for Syracuse this season. It was the program’s biggest win yet in 13 trips to the building formerly known as the Carrier Dome.
“We’re a team that can hurt you in different ways,” Kelsey said.
This time, it was Chucky Hepburn’s turn to play the role of Mr. Unstoppable for Team Kelsey. Hepburn scored 24 goals, making five of seven shots from distance in the first half.
But remember Hepburn’s DNA. Scoring is not the first task for him. Defending and leading the team is more important. Syracuse guard JJ Starling averaged 19.8 points per game.
Pursued by Hepburn, Starling did not score a basket in the first half. After scoring 47 points in the final two games, Starling finished with a season-low 4, making one of seven shots. He missed a layup on his team’s first possession — and his night never got better.
“Chucky has been sensational this year,” Kelsey said. “I think he’s one of the dumbest point guards in the country…Chucky was great tonight.”
Hepburn also led everyone with seven assists. He shared the ball. Everyone on Kelsey’s team did it. The Cards finished with 17 assists on 31 field goals.
“I think we scored over 1.2 points per possession,” Kelsey said. “I shot a very good percentage from the field (50) and from three (42.9). Very good assist-to-turnover ratio (17-10). Good rebounding numbers (plus-5). Good shooting numbers. assists. Our guys shared the ball unselfishly.
Four other Louisville players scored 10 or more points: Terrence Edwards (16); James Scott (10); J’Vonne Hadley (13 points and 10 rebounds) and Reyne Smith (10).
It was also one of Louisville’s best nights this season from the three-point line. After making 10 of their first 18, the Cards finished 12 of 28. They dominated Syracuse from distance, 36-24.
One more thing: The Cards also made all 11 of their free throw attempts.
The Cards return to KFC Yum! Center Saturday for a noon game with Virginia. The Cavaliers (8-8) play SMU on Wednesday night. U of L defeated Virginia, 70-50, on Jan. 4.
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