Mark Wallheiser/Associated Press
A week ago, Louisville head coach Chris Mack moved freshman guard David Johnson and junior forward Malik Williams into the starting lineup, creating a different look that helped the Cardinals snap a two-game losing streak with a win over Syracuse. What appeared to be a momentum shift flipped on Tuesday with an ugly road loss to Florida State in which Williams suffered an ankle injury.
The loss to FSU could affect Louisville’s seeding in the upcoming ACC tournament, which in turn could affect its seed and matchup come Selection Sunday.
Still, the Cardinals are in a good position heading into March. At 23-6, they rank No. 11 in the country and are led by Jordan Nwora’s scoring. Their defense has been up-and-down throughout the year, but it’s been improved in recent weeks, and they figure to be formidable once the tournament starts.
Now that Williams has established himself in Mack’s starting lineup, their chances may hinge on how serious that ankle injury isthey only have two other players taller than 6’8″.
