Early holiday get-together for the Pitinos

The Pitino family reunion, honoring Billy Minardi, coinciding with the week before Christmas. A feel good event, requiring little exertion.

Mama Pitino seated behind Richard on the visitors’ bench. Papa Pitino sparing the younger Pitino from zone pressure. Hugs all around for his University of Louisville friends following an easy 79-55 win over Florida International in the Billy Minardi Classic.

The crowd of 21,411 enjoying a respite from the long lines at cash registers and traffic lights, the concerns about Christmas shopping lists and the post-holiday sticker shock. A leisurely pace, allowing the mind to meditate and wander between trips up and down the court.

• No pressure on Wayne Blackshear, his shooting form continuing to improve while hitting four of eight three-point attempts, collecting 18 points.

• Peyton Siva with almost as many assists (12) as his point total of 15, all of them coming on three-point shots.

• Russ Smith shifting into low gear for one game, but still managing four assists and 14 points during 23 minutes of playing time.

• Chane Behanan an imposing presence for FIU, with 11 rebounds and 14 points.

The Pitino family holiday get-together a little early this year. Maybe the UofL-FIU game becomes a fixture for future Billy Minardi Classics.