Kenny Payne says Louisville had 'numerous' guys not come to play for Senior Night

Louisville has had a tough go of it this season, but that didn’t stop coach Kenny Payne from lambasting his team’s effort in a poor showing that led to a 71-54 loss to Virginia Tech.

On Senior Night, no less.

“We had numerous guys that did not come to play on Senior Night, the last game of the year,” Payne said. “I don’t know what to say to that.”

Louisville finished the night with only two double-figure scorers, as both El Ellis and Mike James ended the night with 14 points.

But the effort as a whole was inexcusable for Payne.

“Disappointed, discouraged, hurt,” Payne said. “There are no words to describe what it feels like to be a part of something where you watch guys not come to fight for their teammates and this fanbase on the last regular-season game of the year. That’s disappointing.”

Louisville has a couple games left to play, a regular-season finale on the road at No. 13 Virginia, then whatever comes in the conference tournament.

Suffice it to say that many are ready to turn the page on one of the most forgettable seasons in program history. Louisville has won only four games all season, with only two of those wins coming against conference opponents.

The Cardinals have not managed to win away from home at all this season.

Payne, though, will still be demanding more effort from his team, at least more effort than it showed on Senior Night. And even with his displeasure in how the team showed up against Virginia Tech he gave some credit to the opponent.

“Again, the credit goes to Virginia Tech,” Payne said. “They’re a good team. We didn’t do what we were supposed to do. I’ll take credit for that. I’ll take the blame for that.”

Louisville’s regular-season finale against Virginia will tip off Saturday at 2 p.m. ET with a broadcast on ESPN2.