Getslow

Nwora disappeared for this entire game except for two shots, yet Louisville still could have won this game if they’d even hit half their free throws. Cardinals have been tested by two solid defensive teams so far this season and have failed both tests. Long way to go before March.

Living Room and dining room are ceiling to floor with all sorts of stuff. Couple other things in other rooms. Wreath on the front door. My office at work has a few things in it as well.

They were looking rough even before the Cole Anthony injury. Heels are in real trouble right now.

And both the current Nos. 2 and 3 have tough games away from home the following week, whichever ends up as the next No. 1. Sat., Dec. 21 features both of the following: Kansas at Villanova Ohio State vs. Kentucky in Las Vegas

It's about time. Lasix should have been an easy call 5 years ago. Let's hope it really is just the beginning.

They looked ok early. I think they got shook offensively after those two early charge calls (the rule is bad enough as written and on top of that, officials call it WAY too much) and they slowed down massively on offense from that point on. They played slow; they played scared; they played bad. A rough night passing combined with a poor shooting night from Nwora... disaster every time. Lots to fix before ACC play resumes after the first of the year.

Favorite overall Christmas song? O Holy Night (Sometimes at Christmas, Randy is right about something.) Favorite "classic" Christmas song? The Christmas Song Favorite "newer" Christmas song? little tree (If you've never heard it, it's a setting of the E.E. Cummings poem by the same name and it's remarkable.) Favorite religious Christmas song? O Holy Night Favorite secular Christmas song? The Christmas Song Favorite overall Christmas album? "Christmas Hymns and Carols" - Mario Lanza Favorite "classic" Christmas album? "The Christmas Song" - Nat King Cole Favorite "newer" Christmas album? "Songs for Christmas" - Sufjan Stevens And in some added categories: Favorite Christmas Song That's Not Actually About Christmas? Fairytale of New York - The Pogues feat. Kristy MacColl Favorite Novelty Christmas Song? The Season of Giving - The Journeymen (aka Superego, the comedy group)

I think Syracuse was the first game of that streak. Hit No. 1, then lose three. I was sure they were doomed and it took at least a month before I thought they had a shot again.

Yeah. No. 1 after the conference tournament but never No. 1 during the season that year.

I know they lost almost immediately after getting that No. 1 regular season ranking in 2013. Syracuse at home if memory serves. Pretty sure I was at that game.

Is Michigan State maybe just... not that good?

I'll believe it's over when they fail to make the playoff more than once.

It was a little sloppy at times, but a heck of a lot of fun. Nwora coming back turned this from a pretty good team into a powerhouse. Sky is the limit for these guys right now.

Wow. Was anyone expecting this? What's going on?

The weaknesses in Louisville’s defensive front on full display. A talented UK offensive line opening up holes exactly where Bowden wants them. The offense — as has been an occasional problem all year — is completely reliant on big plays and can’t put a drive together. All of Louisville shortcomings are coming home to roost this afternoon.

Not my normal thing. Recommended by a co-worker. We'll see...

I'd love to agree... but I've read this book before and I refuse to get my hopes up. I'm excited for the day they don't go 13-1 in November and December before dropping games to Duquesne and LaSalle in February and finishing fourth in the Atlantic 10, but when they do, it'll be the first time in as long as I can remember. To say nothing of the fact that on that last occasion, in 2003, the Flyers took that excellent season to a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament... where they were promptly shown the exit by 13-seeded Tusla. Doomed. Absolutely doomed.

I don’t know when I’m going to get up there this year, but I WILL see Obi Toppin play at UD Arena before he’s gone. The guy is absolutely amazing. I thought this team had potential at the start of the year, but I’ve been conditioned to see doom around every corner. These guys could have a really amazing year if things break right.

Just a few blocks away from my office and around the corner from where my girlfriend works. She was sending me photos of all the emergency vehicles on the streets outside yesterday. Just awful.

Tech is solid again. Going to take an heroic performance from the Flyers tonight to make it to the final.

Using the SP+ numbers as a guide, Mississippi State is an interesting one. They're more well-rounded (with the No. 39 offense and No. 59 defense as opposed to Louisville's No. 29 offense and No. 89 defense), but it's a start. That said, State's style is nothing like Louisville's and SP+ is great but can't account for matchups particularly well. Also comical how Tennessee and Missouri could qualify as the bizarro Louisville. Volunteers have the No. 23 offense paired with the No. 79 offense. Missouri is even more unbalanced, pairing the No. 15 defense with the No. 84 offense.

It's an interesting matchup. UofL defense vs. UK offense... weakness vs. weakness. UofL offense vs. UK defense... strength vs. strength. Louisville's going to need to find a way to get those big plays on offense that have made them so successful this year. The Virginia game seems the best analogue to this one from Louisville's schedule so far. Took everything Louisville had to hold on at the end. What's comparable on Kentucky's schedule? Who had a lousy defense but a pretty good offense?

I also bailed on Riverdale. It was just silly enough to hold my attention before being so silly I didn't care about it anymore. That same argument goes for The Walking Dead. Bailed years ago when it was too silly to deal with anymore.