Louisville Basketball: 3 MVPs from the Cards' win over Long Beach State

We take a look at the three MVP’s from Louisville basketball’s win over the Long Beach State 49ers on Thursday afternoon at the Yum Center.

The Louisville basketball team was able to pull off their third win in-a-row after beating the Long Beach State 49ers. Just like the other games the 49ers have played this season, the game against Louisville was never very close. The Cards got hot early and never looked back.

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It was an impressive win for Louisville, as they were able to beat LBSU by 32 points. The 49ers are the favorites to win their own conference, therefore this was a solid win for the Cards playing a lower-level opponent. Things will start heating up when Louisville gets to Atlantis next week.

Long Beach State struggled all afternoon shooting the basketball, which you have to give credit to Louisville for playing strong defense. The Cardinals were able to hold the 49ers to 18-61 from the field, while Louisville shot 34-76.

Not to mention, Louisville also out-rebounded the 49ers 51-37 and had nine blocks.

Let’s take a look at who our three MVPs were in the Cards’ win over Long Beach State.

Jan 27, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Zach LeDay (32) is fouled by Louisville Cardinals forward Anas Mahmoud (14) in the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

Anas Mahmoud

Forward, University of Louisville

8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, and 8 points

I have been extremely impressed with what Anas Mahmoud had been able to do this season for Louisville. He has been coming off the bench and I would argue that he has been more impressive than Mangok Mathiang.

Mahmoud has been rolling and he has dominated two of these first three opponents.

His hook-shot, defense, and rebounding has been much improved from last year, which will be very important for the Cards as their tough schedule starts heating up. Long Beach State and Evansville didn’t have anyone that could match up with him, but regardless, Mahmoud still had two great games.

I doubt that Mathiang will ever be kicked out of the starting lineup this year in favor of Mahmoud because of his experience and leadership on the floor.

However, I don’t think there is a huge drop off between Mathiang coming off the floor and Mahmoud entering the game.

Feb 6, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Raymond Spalding (13) shoots against Boston College Eagles center Dennis Clifford (24) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Boston College 79-47. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Spalding

Forward, University of Louisville

6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 10 points

Spalding easily had his best game of the season in Louisville’s win over Long Beach State. He was literally all over the floor, making plays for the Cardinals that helped them increase their lead throughout the afternoon. If Spalding can have similar production in ACC play, then the Cards will be very, very good.

There were moments of greatness from Spalding last season, but we need to see more consistency from him this year. The Louisville, Kentucky product has now scored ten points in two straight games and is improving across the board.

I think the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament will be huge for a player like Spalding. It will force him to keep getting better and will give Pitino a chance to get him more minutes before the season heats up dramatically.

The Cardinals will need his length when they play teams like Kentucky, Duke, Indiana, and North Carolina.

Nov 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino talks with forward Jaylen Johnson (10) during a timeout during the first half against the Long Beach State 49ers at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Johnson

Forward, University of Louisville

11 rebounds, 1 block, and 14 points

Jaylen Johnson has been one of the more impressive Cardinals in this early part of the 2016-2017 season for Rick Pitino. Louisville needs Johnson to be the physical presence on the court after losing Chinanu Onuaku to the NBA Draft. However, it seems as though Johnson is doing a great job of cleaning up the glass and finishing at the rim.

Johnson picked up his second double-double of the season in the Cards big win over Long Beach State on Thursday. It will be very important that Johnson plays this well for Louisville all season long.

The good news is that the Cardinals seem to be very deep at the forward spot, therefore there is room for Johnson to have a rough night here and there.

However, Louisville also cannot afford him to go into a production-drought for multiple games at a time.