The newly minted number 1 college basketball team in the land took to Denny Crum Court last night at the KFC Yum! Center where they faced the hottest team in America the Michigan Wolverines. So far this season, those blessed with the number 1 ranking in the AP and USA TODAY Coaches Polls are usually doomed to lose the very first game they play as number 1. The Cards bucked that trend in emphatic fashion, dismantling the high powered offense of the Wolverines and winning 58-43.
It was a defensive clinic by UofL. A stifling half court defense left Michigan reeling the entire game. UofL validated its number 1 ranking with this win, but obviously there’s still a long season left and they have to continue to validate it every time they step on the floor.
After the game, Coach Chris Mack, junior F Jordan Nwora, grad transfer G Fresh Kimble, and redshirt senior C Steven Enoch all spoke with the media.
Mack was very happy to win in the fashion they did; with hard nosed defense and timely shots. He discussed some of the defensive strategy and a little about the mindset of the team heading into the game. He also said he was happy the fans got to experience all the pageantry of the night and see their team win.
Nwora and Kimble discussed the fact that the number 1 ranking means little, if anything, only 8 games into this season. They also mentioned the comment from a Michigan player about wanting all the smoke and how Michigan got that smoke. Kimble mentioned some of the strategy used in containing Michigan’s fabulous PG Zavier Simpson. Nwora talked about what he was doing offensively in the second half to get to the basket and score.
Enoch discussed some of the defensive strategy and offensive adjustments UofL made throughout the game. He specifically discussed what he did to defend Michigan C Jon Teske. He, like Nwora and Kimble, mentioned that the top ranking means little at this point in the season.
To see everything each of them had to say, click the links below to watch the videos.
