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Rick Pitino is joined by his wife Joanne and and their niece Christine Minardi to watch a highlight reel on the KFC Yum! video board after notching his 300th win at the University of Louisville

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Little doubt from the beginning Rick Pitino was going to win his 300th game at the University of Louisville, a game culminating in a 67-51 win over Cincinnati.

The visitors would manage to keep it close, pitching in five three-point baskets in the first half, delaying the inevitable, trailing by only four points at the half, 35-31. A Peyton Siva three-pointer at the one second mark just provided an omen that it was going to be a good night.

The Bearcats were still showing some vital signs, tying things up at 37-37 five minutes into the second half. But that was when Luke Hancock would get to work, hitting a floater for two, following up with a three-pointer, making an assist to Chane Behanan, and swishing another three-pointer after a layup by Russ Smith.

Game over.

  • Peyton Siva played one of his better 20 minutes in recent weeks, most of them in the first half, scoring 11 points and making four assists, passing Those would be his totals in both categories for the night. He would still manage to commit four fouls.
  • Kevin Ware is a welcome sight when Siva goes to the bench, finding teammates, looking for openings, stealing a pass, going the distance for a dunk.
  • No double-double this night for Gorgui Dieng but he keeps getting better with his 11 points and nine rebounds. Starting to give advice to teammates, exercising those leadership qualities.
  • Russ Smith had a Russ Smith-like game, with his five field goals and six free throws for 18 points. While he played under control, he may have missed an opportunity to work on sharing with his teammates. One assist doesn’t impress NBA scouts.
  • Montrezl Harrell showing flashes of a brilliant future when he makes a rebound, scores a dunk, or blocks one into the seats.

Not a great game, but a feel good night. The technicians at KFC Yum! Center had a Pitino highlight video ready to go minutes after the 67-51 win over Cincinnati.

“There is no place, outside of Heaven, I’d rather spend 300 wins at than with you people,” he told the majority of the 22,739 fans who hung around for the celebration.

 

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

One thought on “A feel good night, Rick Pitino wins No. 300 at Louisville”
  1. Congratulations to the best coach I have ever been around…My love to you and Joanne and I hope to see you play this year…C.M.

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