Cardinals Attack

  Today, Big East foes were facing off in front of a crowd of 31,000.  After Syracuse had upset Louisville earlier in Big East play, the Cardinals were seeking revenge.  The Orange were riding on a two game-losing for the second time this season.  This game was low scoring and close throughout.  C.J. Fair got hot in the middle of the first half, with a halftime score of only 23-19 Louisville.  Syracuse couldn't get their shots to fall in, many of them rattling out of the rim.  Syracuse, however, came back in the second half strong and on fire.  They couldn't be contained and got the crowd fired up.  In fact, Syracuse was playing so well, the fans started to do the wave throughout the whole stadium.  However, in the last 90 seconds, Syracuse turned the ball over and Louisville took the lead.  The Orange couldn't score and couldn't contain the Cardinals.  Since Syracuse couldn't score enough, the final score was 58-53 Cardinals.  Gorgui Dieng did an amazing job for Louisville with 11 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.  None of the Syracuse players could contain him.  Michael Carter-Williams was the leader for the Orange, and had 11 points, 7 boards, 6 assists, and 1 steal.  I think the real players of the game should be Russ Smith from Louisville and C.J. Fair for Syracuse.  Russ Smith scored 18 points to go along with 1 steal, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds.  Peyton Siva only had 1 steal, 4 assists, and 1 rebound.  He didn't have any points in this game.  In the whole season against Syracuse, Siva only scored 2 points.  C.J. Fair had 19 points, 1 block, 1 steal, and 6 rebounds.  He got Syracuse fired up by scoring 6 straight points for the Orange while getting the crowd loud too.  I don't think he receives enough credit.  Fair is scoring many of the Orange's points and played 38 minutes against Louisville.  Also, DaJuan Coleman returned and played for the first time in about four weeks after suffering a knee injury.  Louisville did a great job of getting behind the 2-3 zone and getting passes into the paint.

By Ameen I.

Big East

  The Big East is one of the most difficult conference in the country.  I think that the most difficult conferences in the nation are the Big Ten, ACC, and the Big East.  Right now, I am focusing on the Big East.  The Big East is expected to have seven teams in the NCAA March Madness Tournament.  Michael Carter-Williams from the Syracuse Orange is drawing attention for being the Big East Player of the Year.  In my opinion, Carter-Williams doesn't deserve the prestigious award.  Many players have risen this season.  Some of these players weren't eve heard of until this season.  Georgetown is in first place in the Big East after upsetting Syracuse in front of an NCAA record breaking crowd.  I think the Big East Player of the Year should go to Otto Porter of the Georgetown Hoyas.  He is an amazing player who can do the three things that every coach wants; to pass, shoot, and dribble.  Porter has had success against Big East foes in crucial games.  Otto Porter has led Georgetown in his years in college. He has been heavily guarded and still is scoring many of Georgetown's points.  I like the way that he doesn't get too fired up when he makes an important bucket, he remains humble.  Otto Porter reminds me of a player; Brandon Triche from Syracuse.  Every time either player drains an important basket, they remain quiet and get ready to play defense.  Although, Otto Porter is a better shooter than Brandon Triche and scores more points than him.  I think there are only two players who should be in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year race, James Southerland from Syracuse and Davante Gardner from Marquette.  Both players have faced off this season, Marquette coming out on top.  James Southerland has the ability to drain long distance threes and get some boards.  If he is tired he can jog over and be the trailer, and drill a three-pointer.  Davante Gardner is a big man and pushes people out to get rebounds, legally.  I like the way he uses his body to push defenders out and make space in the paint for himself to get the rebound.  Both players should receive more credit.  In my opinion, C.J. Fair from the Syracuse Orange doesn't receive the credit that he should be receiving.  Also, Russ Smith from Louisville.  C.J. Fair leads his team in rebounds and scores many of the Orange's points.  Russ Smith is a fast athlete with great cardiovascular endurance.  He has a great shot and can be relied upon in clutch moments.  Both of these players should receive more national spotlight and lead their teams to victories.  I think the most disappointing player of the year in the Big East is Peyton Siva from the Louisville Cardinals.  Last year he scared teams with his speed and passing abilities.  Now, he's barely an offensive threat for opposing teams.  He also backs down in rivalry games and doesn't score in the moments needed.  I think he needs to start scoring now, or else his career will start going down and won't return to hat he started at.  By Ameen I.