Louisville Cardinals Outlasts Fiesty Memphis Tigers 95-87

Louisville extended their season winning streak to ten games in tonight's 95-87 win over Memphis at the KFC Yum center in Louisville. 

This win was thanks in large part to Russ Smith, who finished with an impressive career high 24 points and seven steals in just his third start. Russ gave the Cards 13 of their first 17 points of the game, and showed he has become a key player as a starter.  

This game was played at a furious pace. The Cardinals barely trailed in this game and led by as many as 13 points in the first half, only to find themselves trailing once or twice before regaining the lead by halftime.  

Memphis was athletic and needed this win badly, having already loss three games. They did come back and tie the game in the second half. A pair of free throws from Chane Behanan gave Louisville back the lead. Louisville's press caused Memphis too many turnovers, and they failed to take a lead or tie it up again. 

Memphis guard Will Barton had a career high 28 points and 16 rebounds, while Joe Jackson contributed 22 points.

Louisville had seven players in double figures. That's not a misprint. 

Gorgui Deing looked soft and out of place at the start, but finished with the aggressive, smart play of which fans know he is capable. He finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds. 

Louisville's Kevin Ware, finally declared eligible to play, made his debut after only three days of practice. He couldn't be ready to play at a better time as Louisville is entering a stretch of tough games over the holidays. 

Memphis returned five starters from last season and has a talented, tough group of players. However, with turnovers and 14 missed free throws, they couldn't take control of this game. 

One major factor in the win was the play of Louisville's bench. They added 21 points while the Memphis bench added only nine. 

If Rick Pitino gets his wish and Memphis becomes part of the Big East, we may have just had a taste of the fast, tough rivalry games to come in the future. 

Louisville's next opponent is the 9-1 College of Charleston Cougars on Tuesday.