Oklahoma - Louisville Preview

East- Round Two
Oklahoma Sooners (6) Vs. Louisville Cardinals (3)
Sunday, March 23 @ 5:00 pm

Saint Joseph’s matched Oklahoma from the three-point line, as each team went 6 of 14. But the Hawks sent the Sooners to the line too many times—26. Okalahoma got 18 points at the charity stripe, eight more than Saint Joseph’s. Although best field goal shooting percentage went to the Sooners, each team hit the same number of shots—24.

This was really a game won at the foul line. The Sooners won by 8, which equaled the differential between the two team’s point totals on frees. Sooner guard David Godbold led all players in scoring with 25. He hit 5 of 8 threes. Off the bench, forward Taylor Griffin grabbed 7 rebounds, while center Longar Longar took in 5. Longar also score 14 points. Point guard Austin Johnson moved the ball around well, garnering 5 assists. Overall, the Sooners played disciplined basketball, turning it over just 9 times.

The Cardinals of Louisville dashed any hopes that 15th seed Boise State had by blowing them out 79- 61. The Cards dominated the contest, hitting threes and slam-dunking almost at will. They shot 50% from downtown and 56% from the field. But their frees were lacking as they put in only 50%. The Louisville “D” did well, blocking 6 shots and stealing the ball 10 times.

Guard/forward Earl Clark was Louisville’s leading scorer with 15 points. He also had 7 rebounds. Forward Terrence Williams played well in all areas—garnering 9 points, gathering 8 rebounds and dishing off 6 assists. He also blocked 2 shots and managed 1 steal.

If anything, the Cardinals turned the ball over too many times—15. But their defense is superlative, forcing opponents to make mistakes. Okalahoma also has sound defensive chops and the ability to hit frees.