Nothing But Net: Cards Big East Tournament Champs

Coach Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals, a team we discounted and even the hometown crowd had written off after a 33-point loss to Providence in January, topped Cincinnati 50-44 to win the Big East tournament title. Here's how they did it. Mike Marra, torn ACL, out all year; Rakeem Buckles, torn ACL, out since January; Stephan Van Treese, patellar injury, out all year; Wayne Blackshear, shoulder surgery, out 25 games; Siva, sprained ankle and concussion, missed three games; Kyle Kuric, sprained ankle, missed three games; Jared Swopshire, recovering from groin injury, missed two games. Instead, by playing tenacious defense throughout and mustering just enough offense to hold off a closing run, Louisville gave Pitino his latest title with a 50-44 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday night in the Big East championship game. Guard Peyton Siva was named Tournament MVP.Congratulations Cards. Matt and Mark will be back tomorrow with a wrap-up, and an NCAA bracket rundown. For now? Enjoy!