Louisville vs Cincinnati: Analysis, Twitter Reaction and Grades

The Louisville Cardinals survived a hideous game against Cincinnati, winning 50-44 to reclaim their throne atop the Big East.

The game was almost as unwatchable as Basketball Wives, but the Cardinals will be the first to point out that a win is a win, regardless of how it looked.

Chris Smith, Peyton Siva and Kyle Kuric all scored in double figures, leading Louisville to their second Big East Championship title in four years. The Cardinals will now enter the NCAA Tournament on a wave of momentum, as they've slayed three big-time opponents in just as many days.

Tweets of the Night

First of all, we have to acknowledge Siva's sick spin move late in the second half, which was definitely the play of the game. Jarred Hill knows just how sweet it was.

"

Peyton Siva's spin move was incredible. This kid is the truth.

— Jarred Hill (@jarred_hill) March 11, 2012"

But as dope as Siva's move was, it couldn't overshadow the fact that this game was hideously boring. Reva Friedel has the right idea. 

"

Who needs sleeping pills when you can just watch the Big East Championship game?

— Reva Friedel (@revafriedel) March 11, 2012"

Unfortunately for hoops lovers everywhere, this game signals the end of the Big East as we know it. ESPN's Howard Bryant was upset going in, as the championship featured two non-traditional Big East teams. 

"

Louisville-Cinci is NOT my idea of a Big East Final. Yeah, I'm bitter about this. Thanks, college football, for ruining college basketball

— Howard Bryant (@hbryant42) March 11, 2012"

Bryant's colleague Dana O'Neil decided to get all witty and compare the low scoring game to Big East football.

"

It is 24-14. Fittingly. Big East wanted to expand for football. It's got itself a football score at the half. Congrats on that.

— Dana O'Neil (@dgoneil1) March 11, 2012"

The Tweet of the Night, however, goes to Chad Withrow, who pointed out that Peyton Siva's dad does not look like a dude you'd want to mess with.

"

Rick Pitino should hire Peyton Siva's father for security when he decides to make late night trips to Italian restaurants.

— Chad Withrow (@withrowzone) March 11, 2012"

Grades for Louisville's Key Players

Peyton Siva: B-

The Cardinals' flashy point guard was far from perfect, but he still churned out a solid performance. He racked up 10 points, five assists and four rebounds. He also pulled off the play of the game, with his dope spin move serving as the cherry on top of the victory.

Chris Smith: A-

Smith was one of the only players who could knock down shots on Saturday. While Louisville shot just 35.4 percent as a team, Smith splashed 6 of his 10 shots, including 3 of 6 three pointers. His ability to make buckets was a key part of Louisville's narrow victory.

Grades for Cincinnati Key Players

Yancy Gates: C-

Gates was a monster during the season, averaging 12.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Unfortunately for the Bearcats, Gates came up short in the title game, putting up just nine points and six boards.

Cashmere Wright: B

Wright was the only offensive force for Cincinnati, scoring 16 points on 7-12 shooting. However, he had an uncharacteristic five turnovers and dished out just two assists on the night.

Deciding Factor: Louisville's Defense

Louisville shut down the Bearcats, holding them to 39.2 percent shooting for the game, including an awful 3 for 14 performance from behind the arc.

Siva and reserve Russ Smith forced Wright into five turnovers, and Louisville did an incredible job of playing physical defense without fouling. The Cardinals only committed 11 fouls in the game, resulting in just seven free throw attempts for the Bearcats.

Game MVP: Peyton Siva

There wasn't a runaway winner for this award, but we'll give it to Siva because of his balanced performance.

His leadership and productivity, both on offense and defense, was the key to Louisville's run through the Big East tourney. He's a threat to drop a triple-double on any given night, and if the Cardinals are going to make some noise in the Big Dance, it will be because Siva rises to the occasion.

What's Next?

Despite their loss tonight, Cincinnati will be a dangerous team in the NCAA tournament. As they proved by taking down No. 2 Syracuse on Friday, they're good enough to beat any team in the country.

Louisville, meanwhile, is a legitimate threat to reach the Final Four. With their coaching, experience and stifling defense, they will be a tough out in the tourney.

Bracketologist Joe Lunardi currently has Louisville as a four seed, while projecting the Bearcats as an eighth seed.