LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — There was nothing tricky or complicated about the assignment. All The Ville had to do Wednesday night was defeat Team DRC and a remarkable summer basketball moment was guaranteed.

A win would confirm that the team of mostly former University of Louisville men’s basketball players would play La Familia, the team with strong University of Kentucky ties, in the final eight of The Basketball Tournament.

The Dream Game, July Edition.

Make plans. It’s happening.

Monday night. Freedom Hall. Expect a record crowd.

In fact, it's already guaranteed. Less than 90 minutes after The Ville beat Team DRC, 83-68, TBT officials said that more than 7.250 tickets were sold for Monday's game, eclipsing the record of 7,202.

"Can't wait," The Ville guard Russ Smith said. "The next game against LaFamilia should be really fun, especially for the fans. 

"This is why the TBT is here, right? We want to bring nostalgia back. We want to bring good atmosphere back."

Playing their most complete game of their three-game tournament run, The Ville handled Team DRC, taking the lead early in the first quarter without giving it back. Chris Jones drilled a three-pointer from the left wing for the winning basket -- and then waved goodbye to the crowd.

Louisville fans immediately shifted their cheer from C-A-R-D-S to BEAT UK, BEAT UK, BEAT UK, BEAT UK!

The Ville led 75-66 with 3:55 on the clock when the target winning score was set by adding 8 points to the winning total, as required by the Elam Ending.

Nick Mayo made a three-pointer. Smith hit two free throws. And then Jones made his three. David Johnson had 15 points for The Ville as did Smith. Jones and Montrezl Harrell each scored 11.

"The whole thing tonight was spirit and attitude," said The Ville coach Reece Gaines, who credited center Chinanu Onuaku for setting the tone. "The biggest thing he did was talk, have a great attitude and play as hard as he could."

The UK-UofL rivalry will add a TBT chapter Monday at 9 p.m. when The Ville will play host to LaFamilia, which just rolled through three games in Rupp Arena. The winner of that game will advance to the final weekend of the 64-team, winner-take-all $1 million prize event in Philadelphia on Aug. 2.

This is Year 11 of the TBT. The event's record crowd was set in Wichita last year at 7,202. Sorry, Wichita. You're about to become No. 2.

"We want to pack the place out," Smith said. "We want this place to be amazing.

"We're excited. Everyone else in Kentucky should be. We get this kind of game in December or January. This is really nice to have one in the summer."

Team DRC is based in Tampa, Florida and sponsored by former all-pro NFL cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. He told me they’ve participated in the tournament since its early years and have always been a tough out. Team DRC beat the region’s top-seeded squad, Team Diesel (sponsored by Shaquille O’Neal) in its opening game.

The Ville had an answer — a balanced attack and a commitment to rebounding. Six different Louisville players made three-point shots. The Ville made half of its 24 three-point attempts.

Jones made three. Smith, David Johnson, Peyton Siva and Chris Dowe each had a pair. Mayo made one.

"The only thing we cared about today was playing together with a good heart and good attitude," Gaines said. "Remembering why we're here and why we're doing it."

Don't overlook Onuaku. He missed the Monday game with a sprained ankle but returned to contribute 6 points, 8 rebounds and a team high 7 assists.

"He didn't play the last game and you saw we were kind of lacking on the boards," Smith said. "He helped us out this time."

More TBT Coverage:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.