LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) —Adrian Autry had a one-year jump over Pat Kelsey in playing Mr. Fix-It for a sagging Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball program.
Tuesday night Kelsey showed that he’s put Louisville years ahead of Syracuse, Autry and nearly all of the ACC on the road to national prominence. The Cardinals dominated the Orange, 85-61, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.
"From the very beginning, we played a complete game," Kelsey said. "I think we came out right from the beginning, defending at a high level.
"I think it was as complete a game, maybe, as we've played all year."
The one-sided victory extended Louisville’s winning streak to seven as the Cards improved their record to 13-5 overall and 6-1 in the ACC.
They trail only Duke, which explains why ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi listed Louisville as an 8-seed for the NCAA Tournament this week.
The Cards are 4-0 on the road in the league, and the loss was the largest in ACC play for Syracuse this season. It was the program's largest win ever in 13 trips to the building formerly known as the Carrier Dome.
"We're a team that can hurt you in a lot of different ways," Kelsey said.
This time it was Chucky Hepburn’s time to play Mr. Unstoppable for Kelsey’s team. Hepburn scored 24, making five of seven shots from distance in the first half.
But remember Hepburn’s DNA. Scoring is not Job One for him. Defending and leading the team are more important. Syracuse guard JJ Starling averaged 19.8 points per game game.
Dogged by Hepburn, Starling did not make a field goal in the first half. After scoring 47 points in the last two games, Starling finished with 4, his season low, making one of seven shots. He missed a driving layup on his team's first possession -- and his night never got better.
"Chucky's been sensational this year," Kelsey said. "I think he's one of the beast point guards In the country ... Chucky was awesome tonight."
Hepburn also led everybody in assists with seven. He shared the ball. Everybody on Kelsey’s team did. The Cards finished with 17 assists on 31 field goals.
"I think we scored over 1.2 points per possession," Kelsey said. "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 assist numbers. Our guys shared the ball selflessly."
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 for 28. They outscored Syracuse from distance, 36-24.
One thing more: The Cards also made all 11 of their free throw attempts.
The Cards return to the KFC Yum! Center Saturday for a noon game with Virginia. The Cavaliers (8-8) play SMU Wednesday night. U of L defeated Virginia, 70-50, on Jan. 4.
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