Kenny Payne says Louisville was too relaxed on defense

In his first season coaching his alma mater, Kenny Payne has overseen one of the worst years in the program’s history. Still, on Wednesday night, Louisville nearly upset Virginia, one of the best teams in the country.

After the game, Kenny Payne explained that the Cardinals were able to build up a lead because of their defensive intensity. However, they became too relaxed and it cost them their upset bid.

“I thought the first half we showed it [defensive desparation], and with maybe six or seven minutes to go in the half, I said, ‘Do you understand when you’re locked in how good you are? Your length will cause people problems. If you stay locked in and you stay disciplined, you can be a great defensive team. They’ll struggle with your length,'” Payne said.

“But, then something happened. They relaxed. And, when they relaxed it went from up whatever we were up, nine or 10, to down two or three. So, we come in just by relaxing. That’s how fragile winning and losing is.”

With the loss, Louisville dropped to 3-23 on the season and just 1-14 in ACC play. That’s last place in the ACC standings. Virginia, meanwhile, earned its 20th win and is first in the conference.

Next up for Kenny Payne and the Cardinals are the Clemson Tigers.

Kenny Payne had a positive message after the loss

Even in a loss, the Virginia game was a huge improvement for the Louisville Cardinals. Because of this, Kenny Payne had a positive message for his team after the loss.

“Learn and then let your lessons that you learn from it translate to a win, no matter who you’re playing,” Payne said.

“I just in the locker room just now told the guys, ‘Look, you work hard. I push you hard. And I keep using the words win or learn to you. I’m just hoping that you’re learning how fragile winning is, and I want you to learn that even in losses there are lessons, but you deserve to come out with a win. And what a great message it would send to you, this fanbase, this university, this team, this program, if you can find a way to shock the world. Find a way to shock the world.'”