The Long Hard Road to the NIT?

While everyone knows what side I stand on as far as the UK/UL argument (UK) I will try to be as objective as I can in this blog. Again, I will TRY to be objective.

Let us break down the last four opponents on the schedule for the Cardinals his year. Each team that they play are pretty much already in the NCAA tournament (except for UConn) and they are each trying to make a strong case for a high seed. Let's dissect these teams one by one.

Georgetown: The Hoyas stand at 18-7 as of right now. They play at Freedom Hall tonight tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Quality Wins: Washington, Pittsburgh, Villanova

Bad Losses: South Florida, Rutgers

If Georgetown beats Louisville tonight and wins the rest of their remaining games they will get a double by in the Big East Tournament and strengthen their case for a 3 or a 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. Their remaining schedule is rife with tough opponents such as WVU, Notre Dame and Cincy. Look for them to prove something on the road in a hostile environment. They provide tough guard play and future NBA draft pick Greg Monroe at center. Samuels has had trouble throughout his career matching up well with quality big men.

UConn: The Huskies were a Final Four team last year and are firmly on the bubble this year. Their record stands at 17-11.

Quality Wins: Texas, Villanova, West Virginia

Bad Losses: Michigan, Providence, Cincinnattie (twice)

This team is on life support. They have had a tumultuous season with the extended absence and then return of head coach Jim Calhoun due to health reasons. They have talent in the guard spots with senior Jerome Dyson and sophomore Kemba Walker. Gavin Edwards provides a solid inside presence but is not what one would call a traditional dominant center. The Cards dispatched of the Huskies earlier this season at Freedom Hall but expect a much tougher UConn team on the road with everything on the line. This team is already playing in a one and done mode.

Marquette: The Golden Eagles are 17-9 and are a solid bid in the NCAA tourney at the moment. This is one of the most underrated teams in the Big East and they have quietly compiled a quietly strong record. The Cards have them at Marquette on 3/2.

Quality Wins: Xavier, Georgetown

Bad Losses: NC State, Depaul, Florida State

While their quality wins are not overwhelming, the Golden Eagles put together an impressive 5 game winning streak earlier this season in the Big East only to be broken by a 7 point loss at home against Pitt. They are coming off an overtime win at Cincy. This is the closest team to Louisville that the Cards have on their remaining schedule. They really don't have any one player that can totally overwhelm you and they are capable of playing really well or extremely poor. They play in a great home environment. This would be a huge win for Pitino and his boys.

Syracuse: The 'Cuse are 25-2 and have already suffered a loss at the hands of the Cards at The Carrier Dome in front of 31,000 frenzied Orangemen and Orangewomen. This was a monumental upset on a weekend of other monumental upsets (please reference Rutgers over Gtown).

Quality Wins: They have beaten every team they have played except two of them. This includes Villanova, West Virgina, Marquette, Georgetown and a host of others.

Bad Losses: That stupid exhibition game that doesn't count and Louisville (Yes it was a BAD loss. They were at home against an unranked team that just came off a game where they were blown out against a terrible St. John's team. Go cry to someone else about how it wasn't a bad loss.)

This would be (possibly) the final game at Freedom Hall. The 'Cuse stand at #4 in the land and could be higher depending on what Kansas, Kentucky and Purdue do (haha, due-do) in the coming weeks. They bring with the sharp shooter (and detestable pretty boy) senior guard Andy Rautins. This guy has come up big for the Orange all year. With no true center they play with a formidable forward rotation with the likes of Mookie Jones, Wesley Johnson and the sometimes beastly Arinze Onuaku.

Pitino seems to have Jimmie B's number as Louisville has defeated them in 5 straight games. The 2-3 zone is far from lock down and if Louisville is shooting well ( I am looking at you Delk and Marra. Smith, just continue sucking as long as it is on the bench) they can pull off another huge upset.

The game tonight at Freedom Hall will be very telling. If the Cards play like they can be capable of ( W vs. Syracuse) instead of the lazy way that they are prone to (St. John's, Western Carolina, Charlotte) then I think the Cards get a big win at home. They need this game for the Big East Tournament draw but so do the Hoyas. I look for a nasty, hard fought Big East rumble. So, what is my prediction? This as unbiased as I can be: Louisville loses by 7. I think Georgetown has more talent and has been the better team all year. If Louisville loses here I look for them to lose at UConn, win at Marquette and lose against Syracuse at home. And barring a Big East Tournament Championship they will miss the NCAA's and play some more NIT games at Freedom Hall.

Discuss amongst yourselves. Agree, disagree or just flat out hate. An OP-ED piece on Chris Berman is forthcoming this afternoon.