Louisville Basketball: Takeaways from Cardinals win over Duke at Cameron Indoor

Dwyane Sutton’s great run continues

Louisville senior Dwyane Sutton has taken a step back in terms of usage rate on offense and in turn, has become an extremely efficient offensive player. Sutton currently has a career-high 61.9% true shooting percentage and has been instrumental to the Cardinals’ success on both ends of the floor. Over the last three games for Louisville—all wins on the road—Sutton is averaging 12 points per game, three better than his season average.

Against Duke on Saturday, Sutton scored 13 points on six shots, boosted by an aggressive and efficient 7-for-8 showing from the free throw line. He added five rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal. Sutton was everywhere at Cameron Indoor and though he played with frenetic energy, he didn’t play recklessly. He finished with only one turnover and was the most consistent Cardinal down the stretch. When the game started to really tighten up, Sutton knocked down two free throws that stretched the Louisville lead to three after Duke had made quite a run. He as a stabilizing force.

On top of his obviously important offensive contributions, Sutton was a big part of Louisville frustrating Duke big man and possible National Player of the Year candidate Vernon Carey Jr. Carey was stymied completely against the Cardinals, finishing with 12 points and four turnovers. Sutton and Co. doubled Carey, sent help early, late, and even straight-up fronted him in the post to make him uncomfortable. All four of Sutton’s fouls were useful and while his uptick in offensive production will rightfully get some headlines here and there, his defensive contributions are just as crucial.