Cardinals Fly By Scarlet Knights, 76-60

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ Louisville Cardinals

4:00PM ET, February 6, 2010

Freedom Hall

Louisville, KY

Louisville —Louisville put a halt to Rutgers mini Big East winning streak Saturday night at Freedom Hall, 76-60.

The Cardinals began the game on an 11-3 run and would never relinquish the lead. Louisville’s pressure defense gave Rutgers fits the entire night, leading to missed shots and turnovers by the Scarlet Knights.

In the first half Louisville would get up by as many as 17 points, but Rutgers would slowly inch closer at a comeback later in the game.

Louisville led at halftime, 43-32.

Rutgers started the second half by hitting its four first shots and cut the lead to four but couldn’t keep it close down the stretch.

Jerry Smith led the Cardinals with 16 points and Samardo Samuels added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Jonathan Mitchell and Dane Miller each contributed 17 points, while Mike Rosario kicked in 13 points for the Scarlet Knights. For the first time this season, Hamady Ndiaye earned a goose egg in the rejection category, by not recording a block.

Statistic Leaders From the Game:

Points: 2 tied (Rutgers): 17; Jerry Smith (Louisville): 16

Rebounds: 3 tied (Rutgers): 7; Samardo Samuels (Louisville): 11

Assists: Jonathan Mitchell (Rutgers): 7; Edgar Sosa (Louisville): 8

Blocks: Dane Miller (Rutgers): 1; 2 tied (Louisville): 1

Steals: Dane Miller (Rutgers): 4; Jerry Smith (Louisville): 3

Facts About the Game:

Muhammad Ali, a Louisville native, was in the crowd.