S.C. LEMSON: The men’s basketball team from Louisville came close to defeating Clemson 70-64 in the second half, but ultimately their efforts proved futile. This was their sixth consecutive defeat.
Following the defeat, head coach Kenny Payne said the following:
Kenny Payne, head coach (opening statement)
We are playing a squad that has a very good chance of qualifying for the NCAA tournament, to start with. Their squad appeals to me. Their ruggedness is something I like. We anticipated a physical struggle. We are aware of their excellent shooting. They’re a very good shooting team, despite their recent poor shooting performance. They work as a cohesive unit. The fact that my boys could come in here and fight the way we did makes me proud of them. At the end of the day, I witnessed five guys on the court—whichever five it was—fighting with everything they had in order to win the game. I know that some people want us to be depressed because we lost. I’m happy for my guys. We were just 2-for-20 from three, so we didn’t shoot it very well. They fought; they don’t care. They are outmatched by 19. We fought against one of this conference’s most physically strong teams. Therefore, I can’t just sit here and be critical of my men when they fight like they did without two point guards.
(On waiting till the end of the second half to receive an assist.)
Our progress seemed to be at a standstill. We didn’t act quickly or decisively. We paused for a moment when a guy was open. Again, though, they fought all about it.
(On surpassing Clemson in rebounds by 19)
All I could think was that our backs were to the wall. After everything we’ve been through, they eventually lost interest. They engaged in competition. They put up a valiant battle. Excuse me, but I can’t urge guys to play much harder when it comes to attacking them. They fought, and they may be the most physically strong team in this league.
(When asked if he was shocked that they were able to fight for so long.)
I’m not surprised by it. Once more, young people, you can’t count them out on anything when we’ve been doing this for as long as I have. I think the outcome might have been different if a few of the players had put forth a little more effort. But I have faith in my men. I enjoy my group. All I want is for them to play every time they take the field, like they did in the second half. Tre White, who I just held in the locker room, seemed to have demonstrated why we needed him here: “I just saw the guy that I wanted out of the transfer portal.” How should I reply to you if I don’t get that kind of player and you don’t give it to me?
Leave a Reply