Louisville loses big man Malik Williams again ahead of hosting Virginia on Saturday

By Jerry Ratcliffe

With Louisville’s game with Virginia Tech cancelled due to Covid-19 issues within the Tech program, the Cardinals have turned their full attention to No. 21 Virginia on Saturday (4 p.m.).

Coach Chris Mack announced that Louisville has lost senior center Malik Williams due to the re-injury to Williams’ right foot last Saturday at Duke. Williams, who recently returned to the team after foot surgery in November, will be out four to six weeks.

“I just feel for Malik and his family,” Mack said. “He’s been through a lot. I feel like I’ve taken the news harder than he did. He’s worked so hard to get back to the point that he is, and then to not be able to finish the year after putting in all that hard work, I just feel for him.”

Jae’Lyn Withers may move to the power forward spot that Williams was playing. Named ACC Co-Freshman of the week, Withers averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds in Louisville’s wins over Notre Dame and Duke last week.

Cancellation of the Virginia Tech game was a blow for the Louisville program as the Cardinals are 8-4 in the ACC, and in fourth place, slightly behind the Hokies at 9-4. Mack is hoping his team can secure a double-bye in the ACC Tournament, and that can only happen if the Cardinals beat Virginia on Saturday.

Presently, Florida State was in the driver’s seat with a 10-3 league record and was leading Boston College 53-35 at halftime Wednesday night, with a win locking down first place at 11-3.

Virginia is in second place at 12-4, followed by Tech at 9-4 and Louisville 8-4.