http://www.kentucky.com/335/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com UofL Cardinals 60 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:20:04 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/601/story/134050.html http://www.kentucky.com/601/story/134050.html Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:47 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/159867.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/159867.html Sun, 26 Aug 2007 10:49 EDT
Inheriting a team that went 12-1 and won the Orange Bowl in Bobby Petrino's final year, Kragthorpe's challenge is to extend Louisville's recent legacy of success.



Aug. 30 vs. Murray State
Extend the legacy: A 1-AA opponent that went 1-10 a year ago and lost its only game to a big-timer 47-7 at Missouri should be a prime opening-game cupcake.

Return to reality: If U of L lost this one, Kragthorpe might not get to coach a second game.

My guess: Louisville 55, Murray State 10]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/159875.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/159875.html Sun, 26 Aug 2007 07:49 EDT
Last season: 12-1 overall, (6-1, first in Big East); defeated Wake Forest 24-13 in Orange Bowl

Returning starters: Offense: 7; Defense: 5

Outlook: The Cardinals annually hope to have the No. 1 offense in the nation and will rely on the arm of Heisman Trophy candidate Brian Brohm, a deep receiving corps and a bounty of talented runners to reach that goal. Kragthorpe says he will be happy to score one more point than his opponent and isn't concerned about U of L's scoring average. The Louisville defense is coming off a spring game with four interceptions of Brohm passes, including the last play of the game. The defense suffered some major losses, but the Cards have several talented returning starters.

Question marks: How will the secondary overcome the loss of three starters? Cornerback Rod Council will be the leader. Who will fill out a thin offensive line? The two mainstays are junior Eric Wood, an All-Big East second-team center, and George Bussey, a first-team left tackle. Who will emerge as the primo running back? The Cards had to deal with a backfield without Michael Bush last fall and prospered. Kragthorpe is counting on a committee to carry the load, led by Anthony Allen. How will Kragthorpe cope in his first head coaching job at this level -- especially the rivalries with West Virginia and Rutgers?]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/159814.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/159814.html Sun, 26 Aug 2007 08:06 EDT
When Kragthorpe was building a reputation as an up-and-coming young assistant coach, Jurich was staying in touch.

When Kragthorpe turned the moribund Tulsa program into a winner, Jurich, the Louisville athletics director, was waiting.

"Steve was number one on my list the last four years," Jurich said, referring to the years when former Louisville Coach Bobby Petrino flirted with other jobs.

"I probably would not have come to Louisville," Kragthorpe said, "if not for Tom Jurich."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/29591.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/29591.html Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:10 EDT Day Date Opponent Time TV Results

Sun. Aug. 31 KENTUCKY 3:30 p.m. ESPN .



Sat. Sept. 6 TENNESSEE TECH TBA TBA .

]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/125853.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/125853.html Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:31 EDT
And to make sure none of the 200-plus representatives of print, radio and TV outlets missed the point, the conference put proof on display.

On tables flanking the podium where Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese welcomed the media contingent at The Viking Hotel were the large Bowl Challenge Cup awarded each year to the Bowl Championship Series league with the best bowl record, an honor the Big East captured by going 5-0 in its bowls, plus the five trophies from those games . UofL's Orange Bowl trophy, plus those from the PapaJohns.com Bowl (USF); the Texas Bowl (Rutgers), Gator Bowl (West Virginia) and International Bowl (Cincinnati).

The Big East enjoyed a record-setting season in 2006, and Tranghese and the league's eight coaches are predicting that 2007 will bring more head-turning success.

It sure looks that way. The conference boasts an unprecedented quartet of Heisman Trophy candidates in Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm, Rutgers running back Ray Rice and West Virginia's Pat White (quarterback) and Steve Slaton (running back).]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/329449.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/329449.html Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:36 EST
A 20-year coaching veteran, Miller comes to the Cardinals after spending one season as the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan. Last season, Miller's defense was one of the best in the Mid-American Conference, leading the conference in pass efficiency defense, ranking second in sacks and fourth in total defense, pass defense and tackles for loss.

Before joining the Broncos staff in 2007, Miller spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Arizona State where he tutored linebacker Dale Robinson, who would go on to be the Pat Tillman Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Pac-10 Conference, along with All-Pac-10 performers safety Zach Catanese, defensive tackle Jordan Hill and linebacker Jamar Williams. He served as the associate head coach at Florida in 2004 and was the Gators' linebackers coach in 2003 and 2004.

Prior to his stint in Gainesville, Miller was defensive coordinator at Michigan State (1999-02) and for Butch Davis at Miami (1995-98). From 1989-94, Miller served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Oklahoma State. Miller also made brief stops at Minnesota (1986-88, defensive backs), Nevada (1983-85, defensive
coordinator/secondary) and Drake (1981-82, secondary).

A native of Hutchinson, Kan., Miller, 51, began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Texas-Arlington, in 1978 as a graduate assistant. He moved on to Oklahoma State in 1979-80 as a graduate assistant. Miller and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Cole (16) and Jackson (13).]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/328845.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/328845.html Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:09 EST
Starting with Kentucky on Labor Day weekend, UofL will play a school-record eight games in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, including its first four and six of the first seven. The Cards won't leave the state until Oct. 10.

The schedule, announced Monday afternoon, features seven opponents who played in bowl games last season.

Although the UofL-UK game hasn't been set, UofL would like the game to be played Labor Day night, Monday, Sept. 1, and featured on one of the ESPN networks.

Kragthorpe said Louisville officials favor Monday evening, but are waiting for approval from UK.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/324616.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/324616.html Thu, 21 Feb 2008 07:42 EST
Council, 22, was charged with one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon. He was being held on $50,000 bond at the Haywood County Detention Center in Waynesville, N.C., on Wednesday evening.

Council, who had one year of eligibility remaining, had 32 tackles and two interceptions last year for the Cardinals.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/310449.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/310449.html Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:47 EST
Stoudt, from Dublin-Coffman High School in Columbus, Ohio, had originally committed to UofL's Big East rival, Pittsburgh. But he had second thoughts when Pitt got commitments from two other QBs.

Enter Louisville, which, ironically, had lost committed QB Tino Sunseri to the Panthers earlier in the process.

"We said, let's look at different options, survey all our options before we make a commitment to take another quarterback," UofL coach Steve Kragthorpe said. "But when we heard Zach was available, we jumped right on it."

Stoudt visited UofL this past weekend, and Wednesday became one of the highest-ranked members of the Cardinals' 2008 recruiting class.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/178015.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/178015.html Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:12 EDT
Trailing Louisville 34-33 in the final minute and driving for a go-ahead score, center Eric Scott was whistled for a costly 15-yard personal foul that pushed the Cats back to their own 43-yard line with 35 seconds left.

But instead of going home with yet another loss to their archrival, the Cats came up with some magic.

Quarterback Andre Woodson hit Steve Johnson on a 57-yard scoring pass with 28 seconds left to give the Cats a miraculous 40-34 win over the ninth-ranked Cards in front of a raucous crowd of 70,857 at Commonwealth Stadium.

It was Kentucky's first win over a top-10 team since beating No. 4 Penn State in 1977 and ended a four-game losing streak to the Cards.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/474687.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/474687.html Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:12 EDT
Louisville will try to bounce back from last season's disappointing 6-6 record that ended without a bowl berth, one year after a trip to the 2007 Orange Bowl.

The Cardinals look to replace quarterback Brian Brohm, who threw for 10,775 yards in his career, and was drafted in the second round of this year's NFL Draft.

Second-year head coach Steve Kragthorpe will turn to highly regarded senior Hunter Cantwell to run the Louisville offense, which ranked sixth nationally in yards per game a year ago.

West Virginia received 22 out of a possible 24 first-place votes on Tuesday to finish with 189 points in the media poll. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/472583.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/472583.html Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:19 EDT
Thirty-five days until the Cats and Cards kick it off .. yet all is quiet?

Joe B. Hall . syndicated radio sports talk show host . had an interesting observation at Thursday's Governor's Cup kickoff luncheon.

This summer has been largely devoid of buzz about the season-opening Kentucky-Louisville football game.

.I can't get anybody to talk about it,. said Hall, who hosts the Joe B. and Denny Show with former Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/470756.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/470756.html Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:37 EDT
There are ample reasons Rich Brooks needs to win the 2008 Kentucky-Louisville football game.

There is a practical reason. UK is going for a third straight winning football season for the first time since the 1950s.

It's a lot easier to get Kentucky to seven wins with a victory in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on Aug. 31.

There is an historical reason. The last three UK coaches (Fran Curci, Jerry Claiborne, Hal Mumme) before Brooks to put together back-to-back winning seasons all saw their program's forward momentum sidetracked in the opening game of the next year. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/470938.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/470938.html Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:23 EDT
Rich Brooks not only enters fall practice without a definite successor for Andre Woodson at quarterback.

The Kentucky coach said Thursday he has no firm timetable in mind for when he will pick between Curtis Pulley and Mike Hartline.

.When it feels right, we'll make that decision,. Brooks said at the University Club of Kentucky golf course.

As part of the annual Governor's Cup luncheon/golf tournament, both Brooks and Louisville Coach Steve Kragthorpe held brief news conferences to preview the Aug. 31 intrastate rivalry. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/468801.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/468801.html Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:38 EDT
Former Louisville receiver Mario Urrutia signed a four-year contract Tuesday with Cincinnati. He was the Bengals' seventh-round draft pick.

The Bengals still have six picks unsigned. They haven't signed any of their first five picks from the draft, including first-round pick Keith Rivers, a linebacker from Southern California.

Around the league

Bears: Brian Urlacher checked into Chicago's training camp Tuesday night with a new contract. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/461463.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/461463.html Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:59 EDT
The Cardinals will hold three open practices to the fans on August 5-7 before closing practices in preparations for the August 31 home opener versus Kentucky on ESPN at 3:30 p.m. Practice times are yet to be determined.

Louisville's annual Media and Fan Day is also scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. The Cardinals will sign autographs for the public from 9-10 a.m. before Media Day activities will begin at about 10:15 a.m.

Interviews will begin at approximately 11 a.m. followed by lunch at the complex and head coach Steve Kragthorpe's press conference. Offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm and defensive coordinator Ron English will also be available.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/453173.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/453173.html Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:12 EDT
Louisville police spokesman Phil Russell said the shooting happened outside a parking garage near Theater Square and reported around 2:25 a.m. Saturday.

UofL football spokesman Rocco Gasparro said the junior wide receiver was taken to University Hospital, where he was in stable condition after surgery for a gunshot wound in the back.

Russell said the shooting followed a fight at a nightclub in Theater Square and no arrests have been made.

Gasparro said other UofL football players were at the nightclub with Guy, but no one else was involved in the altercation.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/444309.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/444309.html Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:54 EDT
"Aundre has decided not to play college football anymore," said UofL Coach Steve Kragthorpe. "He has given up his scholarship, but will not be transferring to another institution. He will continue his education at U of L, and I wish him nothing but the best."

Henderson, who attended Manual High School, played in four games last season, recording three tackles.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/406858.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/406858.html Fri, 16 May 2008 15:56 EDT
Stripling played in 34 career games for the Cardinals, recording 1,338 yards and 13 touchdowns. His best season came in 2005 when he rushed for 621 yards and seven touchdowns.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/384460.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/384460.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:18 EDT
Yet all the weight lifting, all the running and all the throwing didn't prepare the former Louisville quarterback for what it felt like to stand in front of a room full of grown men wearing a nervous smile.

The scale during the weigh-in at the combine in Indianapolis in February didn't hold any mystery. Brohm played at around 230 pounds most of his college career.

What happened next though, was perhaps the surest sign that the whole NFL evaluation process goes far beyond the Wonderlic test and the 40-yard dash.

A few minutes after stepping off the scale, Brohm received a message from his agent. An NFL general manager had just called to let the agent know how much the GM liked Brohm's body.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/476592.html http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/476592.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:48 EDT
White made his comments Tuesday at the Big East football media day in Newport, R.I. The comments were first reported by Adam Zagoria of SportsNet New York on his Web site, www.zagsblog.net.

White was asked about the possibility of playing baseball in college. He has been selected three times in baseball's amateur draft, including last month by the Cincinnati Reds.

White's comments came the same day the Mountaineers were chosen to win the Big East football championship.

When asked whether he had spoken with WVU baseball coach Greg Van Zant, White said Van Zant "wasn't interested" in having him on the team.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/476593.html http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/476593.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:49 EDT
By paying the price to keep more of its hot-commodity coaches, the Big East is starting to shed its reputation as a conference filled with steppingstone programs.

Petrino left Louisville after leading the Cardinals to the Big East championship in 2006 and a BCS victory over Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl, making the jump to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons — where he lasted less than a year.

Rodriguez, who passed on a chance to coach Alabama in 2006, became the league's second offensive mastermind to move on when he took the Michigan job in December after guiding West Virginia to a league title and a BCS game for the second time in three years.

Those were big hits not just for the Louisville and West Virginia, but for the Big East. Petrino and Rodriguez had established themselves as two of the best coaches in the country. When they left, it seemed as if they had not only outgrown their old schools, but also the Big East.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/482178.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/482178.html Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:35 EDT
Self guided the Jayhawks to the national championship this past spring and has a record of 142-32 in five seasons at the helm.

"I'm very thankful to Chancellor Hemenway and [athletic director] Lew [Perkins] for the confidence they have shown in me," said Self. "I have said many times that I cannot imagine a better place to play, or to coach, than the University of Kansas. My family and I look forward to being part of the Kansas and Lawrence communities for many years to come."

The Jayhawks have won at least a share of the last four Big 12 regular-season titles and the championship of each of the last three conference tournaments. Kansas also reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament twice under Self before this spring's national title run.

"We are thrilled that Bill will be our coach for years to come," said Perkins. "He has done a tremendous job leading the Kansas men's basketball program both on and off the court; there's no one I'd rather have at the helm of the Kansas program."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/477060.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/477060.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:11 EDT
"Jamar's decision to violate the terms of our personal agreement for his potential return to our basketball program has left me with no other recourse but to rescind that opportunity," said head coach Bruce Weber. "At this time, Jamar and his family need to focus their attention on the issues that have brought Jamar to this point.

"For the good of our program and players we need to move forward and prepare for the 2008-09 season. While Jamar will always be a part of the Illinois basketball family, I have made the decision that he can no longer be a part of our team. Our entire team and coaching staff are obviously very disappointed he will not be with us. We will continue to do everything we can to help him continue his academic career and achieve his goal of graduation."

Smith played in 53 games during his two years with the school, starting six times and averaging 8.0 points per game.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/473893.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/473893.html Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:50 EDT
Crawford played in 30 games for Indiana last season as a freshman, including eight starts. He averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 assists. He accepted a scholarship from Xavier on Monday.

He will join point guard Terrell Holloway, a prep player who initially committed to Indiana but changed his mind after coach Kelvin Sampson resigned amid a phone-call scandal.

Holloway averaged 14 points last season for Harmony Prep School in Cincinnati.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/473655.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/473655.html Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:40 EDT
Crawford played in 30 games, starting eight times, as an IU freshman in the 2007-08 season. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, while helping the Hoosiers finish 25-8 overall and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

"Jordan Crawford is an exceptionally talented player," said Miller. "He is extremely versatile, which will allow him to play with numerous combinations of players on the floor. He is also a great competitor that has proven himself against the best competition at the highest level of college basketball."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/467230.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/467230.html Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:46 EDT
The 6-foot-9 Carter played in 29 games for the Beavers last season and averaged 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds.

"We are very excited to add a young man with the character, work ethic and enthusiasm of Sean Carter," said Kellogg, who was hired as UMass' head coach in April. "On the court, Sean has the intangibles we are looking for in a student-athlete. He adds much-needed size and athleticism in the front court. With his rebounding and shot-blocking ability he will be able to come in and contribute as we look forward to the future of UMass basketball."

Carter will have three years of eligibility remaining at UMass, but will sit out the 2008-09 season as a redshirt.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/465232.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/465232.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:54 EDT
The new contract guarantees Kent $1,060,000 in annual salary and provides $347,000 of additional salary and benefits to his coaching staff.

"I am thrilled and humbled to have the support shown by president [Dave] Frohnmayer and [athletic director] Pat Kilkenny," Kent said. "The university and its supporters have demonstrated a substantial investment in the continued success of the basketball program at the University of Oregon through the building of a new arena and I felt it was important as a graduate of this great institution that I demonstrate that same commitment in return."

In his 12 seasons as the Ducks' orchestrator on the hardwood, Kent has posted a 211-134 mark and is just one win behind Hall-of-Fame coach Howard Hobson for the school record.

Under Kent, the Ducks have reached five NCAA Tournaments, two Elite Eight appearances and two conference tournament titles. The Ducks finished 18-13 a season ago and fell to the eighth-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/456079.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/456079.html Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:15 EDT
Jennings is a potential lottery pick for the 2009 NBA Draft and will be the first major high school recruit to play overseas since the NBA's one-year rule, which requires players to wait one year after graduating high school before playing in the league, was instituted in 2006.

Jennings is 6-foot, 170 pounds and graduated from national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy. The guard broke an all-time school record with a 63 point outburst in a February 19 game.

He joins Abdul Gaddy of the class of 2009, who orally committed, and Emmanuel Negedu of the class of 2008, who withdrew from his national letter of intent, as players that have backed out of commitments to the Wildcats this year.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/419302.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/419302.html Fri, 30 May 2008 07:52 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Louisville center Clarence Holloway has ended his career after being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder marked by lengthened features and cardiovascular defects.

Holloway had hoped to return to the Cardinals in the fall after sitting out his freshman year following open-heart surgery to repair the wall of his aorta and the aortic valve.

The 7-foot-1 Holloway, who is from Chicago, will remain enrolled at Louisville.

Marfan syndrome is a disease of the connective tissue. Patients typically are tall and lean, with disproportionately long arms, legs, fingers and toes, plus a variety of skeletal, eye, lung and heart problems. Diagnosed patients who show signs of aorta trouble often are told to not exercise vigorously. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/384790.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/384790.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:39 EDT
Caracter announced his intention to enter the draft following Louisville's loss to North Carolina in the NCAA tournament last month, but has since approached Pitino about staying in school.

Pitino told Caracter, who averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds this season, his game wasn't NBA ready.

"I think he's been looking in the mirror and conning himself for a long, long time," Pitino said. "Now he's got to go and find out what the real world is like."

Caracter is enrolled at Louisville and has yet to hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of his return in the fall. Pitino however, doesn't think Caracter will be back in the fall.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/380091.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/380091.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:42 EDT
The sophomore originally said he would bypass his final two years with the Cardinals following Louisville's loss to North Carolina in the South Region finals of the NCAA tournament. Clark, however, did not sign with an agent or complete the necessary paperwork to declare for the draft, allowing him to return.

Clark averaged 11.1 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds for the Cardinals.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/379147.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/379147.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:09 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/368189.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/368189.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:28 EDT
Clark averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots for the Cardinals (27-9), who fell to North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament's East Regional finals last weekend.

Clark averaged 14.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in Louisville's four tournament games.

He is the second Louisville player to decide to leave early. Forward Derrick Caracter announced he would skip his final two years.

Clark had said earlier in the season that he would return for his junior year, but changed his mind after the team's tournament run.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/361110.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/361110.html Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:57 EDT
What the Cards couldn't overcome was Tyler Hansbrough.

Hansbrough finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds and took over the game at several key points in the second half as the Tar Heels posted an 83-73 win in front of a partisan crowd of 19,092.

It was billed as a matchup of the two hottest teams in the country, and it played like a national championship game instead of a regional final. The Tar Heels established control early and then held off several second-half charges by Louisville to earn the 17th Final Four trip in the program's history.

The Cardinals had trouble in the first half keeping up with the frenetic pace the Tar Heels set. North Carolina had little trouble with Louisville's full-court pressure and consistently beat the Cards down the floor for easy transition baskets, and when UNC didn't convert, it was usually right there for the rebound and putback.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/359252.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/359252.html Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:11 EDT
But the Cards dominated the Vols on both ends of the floor and posted a 79-60 win last night at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
The win put the Cards (27-8) one step away from the Final Four. They now face overall No. 1 seed North Carolina (35-2) on Saturday for a trip to the national semifinals next weekend in San Antonio. The Tar Heels advanced in the opener with an easy 68-47 win over Washington State.

After struggling with turnovers in the first half, Louisville settled down in the second and finished 52 percent from the field. The Cardinals also controlled the boards against the smaller Vols, winning the rebounding battle 43-28.

Louisville's stifling defense held Tennessee to 33.9 percent shooting from the field.

“The last three games our offense and defense have been all clicking,” U of L Coach Rick Pitino said. “Our defense has stayed constant most of the year. Guys prepared hard for a week, and we told our team this game was going to be won on the backboards.”]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/355236.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/355236.html Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:46 EDT
U of L took control in the first half thanks to a 23-2 run, and the Cards cruised the rest of the way in an easy 78-48 win over Oklahoma yesterday at Jefferson Civic Center Arena.

It's U of L's second trip to the Sweet Sixteen since Rick Pitino took over in 2001 and its first since a Final Four run in 2005. Louisville (26-8) will face second-seeded Tennessee (31-4) on Thursday at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

Louisville's stifling defense created easy baskets against the overmatched Sooners, who came in as the No. 6 seed.

Oklahoma trailed 14-12 at the 12:41 mark before Louisville went on its game-changing run. By the time Jerry Smith scored on a layup at 4:22, the Cards were up 37-16.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/350364.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/350364.html Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:02 EDT
This year he succeeded, and his reward is a first-round game against perennial contender Louisville and its larger-than-the-game coach, Rick Pitino.

"He would not be my first choice of a guy to challenge in the tournament," Graham said.

The Broncos (25-8), champions of the Western Athletic Conference, received the 14th seed in the East Regional and play Louisville (24-8), the third seed, on Friday in Birmingham, Ala.

Seven of Pitino's 22 years as a coach have been with Louisville. He won the 1996 NCAA Championship with Kentucky and made it to the Final Four with Louisville in 2005.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/350357.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/350357.html Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:48 EDT
Don't tell that to coach Rick Pitino, who sees nothing but roadblocks between his team and a Final Four appearance in four seasons.

"Somebody said to me, 'You'd have to play (North) Carolina (in the Elite Eight),'" Pitino said. "We should only be so lucky."

The Cardinals (24-8) open the tournament on Friday against No. 14-seed Boise State (25-8) in Birmingham, Ala. Though the Broncos are making their first tournament appearance in 14 years, they start four seniors and play the kind of up-tempo basketball that has caused Louisville problems.

Pitino likened the Broncos to BYU, which beat the Cardinals 78-76 back in November. Louisville played that game without injured seniors David Padgett and Juan Palacios. They're both healthy now, leaving Pitino optimistic despite two tough losses — one to Georgetown in the regular-season finale, the other to Pittsburgh in the Big East tournament quarterfinals — that blunted the momentum they built up during an undefeated February.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/346515.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/346515.html Fri, 14 Mar 2008 05:40 EDT
For the third straight year, the Panthers knocked the Cardinals out of the tournament, and this defeat was especially painful, considering that UofL (24-8) was the higher seed at No. 2 to Pitt's No. 7 and that the Cards had serious designs on their first conference championship.

UofL rallied from an eight-point deficit in the second half to force overtime in Madison Square Garden, but then Pitt (24-9) dominated the extra session to claim a 76-69 victory and advance to the semifinals for the seventh time in the last eight years.

UofL, ranked No. 13th nationally in both polls and hopeful of playing well enough to perhaps earn a No. 2 seed in next week's NCAA Tournament, got outstanding performances from its front court players but was let down by its back court for the second game in a row.

Forward Earl Clark led all scorers with 19 points and also collected nine rebounds, while Derrick Caracter, David Padgett and Juan Palacios each scored 11 points and combined for 14 boards.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/343825.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/343825.html Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:28 EDT
"If anything," guard Edgar Sosa said following Saturday's 55-52 defeat at Georgetown, "this will make us tougher and more hungry to play well in the Big East Tournament."

Terrence Williams and David Padgett spoke of moving on, getting refocused and making a strong push for the 13th-ranked Cardinals' first Big East tourney trophy. UofL (24-7, 14-4) has shown good resilience all season after regaining its full complement of players, not losing back-to-back games since being short-handed in consecutive losses to Dayton and Purdue in December.

UofL finished the regular season in a tie with Notre Dame for second place, but got the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in Wednesday's game by virtue of its 90-85 win over the Irish. The Cards will play Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Madison Square Garden against the winner of No. 7 Pittsburgh (22-9, 10-8) vs. No. 10 Cincinnati (13-17, 8-10).

Since the loss to Georgetown, Pitino has talked to his players about getting a second chance at a championship in the conference tourney and improving their team legacy.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/341032.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/341032.html Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:00 EST
And now the Hoyas can add another one, along with their second straight Big East regular season championship.

DaJuan Summers hit a 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining, then Georgetown survived three 3-point attempts by Louisville to escape with a grinding 55-52 win in front of 19,116 fans and a CBS television audience.

The Cards, who saw their nine-game winning streak snapped in losing for the first time since a 69-67 defeat at Connecticut on Jan. 28, will now be the No. 2 seed in next week's Big East Tournament. Their opponent in a Thursday night quarter-final in Madison Square Garden is yet to be determined.

"It was a great (regular) season for the University of Louisville," UofL coach Rick Pitino said. "Their's was just a little greater. It was a bitter pill to swallow because we had a chance to win a Big East championship and we didn't do it."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/339398.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/339398.html Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:31 EST
Big East co-leaders and top-15 clubs Louisville and Georgetown will be playing for the outright conference championship. A crowd of 20,000-plus will be on hand. It's Senior Day for the Hoyas, which means standout center Roy Hibbert's final home game. CBS TV cameras will be watching.

To which UofL coach Rick Pitino says: Bring it on.

"It's a lot of fun to be in this situation," Pitino said Thursday. "There's so much at stake that it's a lot of fun and I wouldn't want it any other way. The pressure in this game is great because there's so much at stake. If you gave me a choice to play it at home or on the road I would choose the road because I think that type of pressure is great for a basketball team.

"They're even going to present the (championship) trophy in a closet in the locker room because you're on the road."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/339809.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/339809.html Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:20 EST http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/336872.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/336872.html Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:31 EST
Through Games of March 2

1. Tennessee, SEC

2. Memphis, C-USA

3. North Carolina, ACC]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/321953.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/321953.html Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:46 EST
Louisville (24-6, 14-3 in the Big East) won twice last week, beating No. 17 Notre Dame (90-85) on Thursday and Villanova (68-54) on Sunday.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/335229.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/335229.html Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:55 EST
With Sunday's nationally-televised 68-54 win over Villanova, the No. 13/18 Cardinals (24-6, 14-3) set up a showdown with No. 11/10 Georgetown (14-3, 24-4) next weekend for the outright Big East Conference championship.

UofL beat the Hoyas 59-51 on Feb. 9 in Freedom Hall.

"That will be a great pressure game, especially on the road, to get us ready for the pressure of the Big East Tournament," UofL coach Rick Pitino said.

The two pre-season co-favorites for the title will meet at noon (CBS) in the Verizon Center in Washington D.C., with Uof L seeking its first crown in the league since leaving Conference USA in 2005-06.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/334221.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/334221.html Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:06 EST
When UofL opened its February schedule against Rutgers, coach Rick Pitino set a goal of winning eight of the last 10 games. The No. 13/18 Cardinals (23-6, 13-3) succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, going 8-0 to earn a tie with Georgetown for the Big East lead and polish their NCAA Tournament resume to a gleaming shine.

"It's quite a feat, the way our guys played in February," Pitino said. "They're playing not only good basketball, but fun basketball. They're having a great time passing the ball to each other."

Having secured a first-round bye for the Big East Tournament Mar. 12-15 in Madison Square Garden, UofL will try to keep the good times rolling when it hosts 9th-place Villanova (17-10, 7-8) in Freedom Hall at 4 p.m. Sunday on CBS.

"Realistically, I set a pretty lofty goal," Pitino said. "We were hoping it would come to pass and it has. We wanted to get a bye, that was real important to us.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/333534.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/333534.html Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:18 EST
After numerous attempts, Maria Cevera Tello Palacios was finally able to obtain a visa and will journey from her hometown of Medellin, Colombia, this weekend to spend 10 days with her son.

For Palacios, it will undoubtedly be a tearful moment when his mother joins him on the court for a pre-game ceremony prior to the 4 o'clock tipoff on CBS.

"I'm just going to be really happy," Palacios said. "I'm very excited that she is finally going to be able to see and experience my life here and meet those people who are a great part of my life and see everybody that has helped me get where I'm at today."

Maria, who works as a cleaning lady for a large company, has seen her son only during summers since he came to the U.S. at age 15 to play high school basketball at Our Savior New American in Centereach, N.Y., and pursue his basketball career.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/332913.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/332913.html Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:28 EST
In as fast-paced and entertaining a game as UofL has been involved in all season, the No. 13/18 Cardinals built what appeared to be a comfortable lead, then held off a furious rally by No. 17 Notre Dame to escape with an important 90-85 Big East Conference victory in Freedom Hall Thursday night.

So now UofL (23-6 overall) goes into its last two Big East games tied with Georgetown for the league lead at 13-3. The win locked up a first-round bye for the Cards in the Big East Tournament. To get there, and win their eighth straight, the Cards had to overcome a brilliant performance by Irish center Luke Harangody and watch most of their 19-point lead disappear in the last four minutes when Notre Dame (21-6, 11-4) suddenly heated up from three-point land.

Harangody, a 6-8 sophomore, scored a career-high 40 points and hit the first three three-pointers of his career to spark Notre Dame's comeback. He made 16-of-28 field goal attempts and 5-of-7 free throws and also had a game-high 12 rebounds along with four assists, two blocks and two steals.

"He's such a warrior," Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said. "Every time you think you've seen the whole package he comes up with something else. He's a skilled guy who brings it every night. What a performance, especially in this atmosphere."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/332553.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/332553.html Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:33 EST
But Louisville center David Padgett came out and showed he's not too shabby, either.

Harangody drew plenty of 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the Freedom Hall crowd of 19,881, but Padgett dominated the Irish down low with his trademark jump hook and other assorted post moves on his way to 26 points in U of L's thrilling 90-85 win.

"David's playing great basketball right now," Louisville Coach Rick Pitino said.

The win was the eighth in a row for Louisville (23-6, 13-3) and kept them tied with Georgetown for first place in the Big East.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/331228.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/331228.html Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:16 EST
The game (7 p.m. on ESPN) pits the league's best offense in the Irish at 81 points per game against the No. 2 defense in UofL, which is surrendering just 60.7 ppg. Notre Dame is shooting a league-best 41 percent from three-point range, while the Cards are allowing foes to hit only 30.3.

No. 13/18 UofL (22-6, 12-3) has relied primarily on an active 2-3 zone defense this season, but coach Rick Pitino said Wednesday that won't be enough against the No. 17 Irish (21-5, 11-3), who have the Big East's dominant big man in 6-8, 251-pound center Luke Harangody and a deadly outside shooting attack headed by Kyle McAlarney.

Because Notre Dame has so many weapons and runs a motion offense, Pitino says the Cards will have to rely more on instant instinct rather than a pre-set plan and might have to make adjustments on the fly.

"Basically, we go in with a scheme every game defensively," Pitino said. "But with this team we're spontaneously going to have to feel our way around. This is a game that no matter what defense you play you can't connect the dots. It's not going to happen because they run a lot of great motion.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/327616.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/327616.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 07:14 EST
With Pittsburgh able to operate relatively efficiently against its defense, No. 18/23 UofL was forced to rely more than usual on its offense to escape with a 75-73 victory in front of 12,508 fans in the Petersen Events Center.

The win was the seventh straight for the Cards (22-6, 12-3) and enabled them to remain tied for the Big East Conference lead with Georgetown with three games remaining.

Pitt (19-8, 7-7) suffered its third straight loss as UofL became the first team in the six-year history of the Petersen to beat the Panthers twice in the building. The Cards won here last year, 66-53.

UofL's full-court pressing defense was able to force a mere four turnovers . by far a season-low for an opponent . and Pitt shot 44.6 percent from the field, highest for a Cardinal foe since Seton Hall hit 50 percent in a 92-82 win on Jan. 19. Pitt's point total was the most for a Louisville Big East victim this season.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/326799.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/326799.html Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:32 EST
A year and 12 days ago, the Cardinals were in danger of sitting out the Big Dance, heading down the stretch of the season with a 17-8 record, a weak non-conference schedule, a bad RPI and losses to all three Top-25 teams they had played.

Then came a visit to Pittsburgh, where UofL upset the No. 7 Panthers in a dominating 66-53 performance. That sparked a season-ending, NCAA resume'-polishing six-game winning streak that also included victories at No. 12 Marquette and Connecticut.

"We just happened to play almost a perfect game that night," UofL coach Rick Pitino recalled this week. "That doesn't usually happen."

Now the tables are turned and it's Pitt (19-7, 7-6 Big East) that is desperate for a win, much like Louisville was last season. While the No. 18/23 Cards (21-6, 11-3) are tied for the league lead with Georgetown and have won six straight, the unranked Panthers are in seventh place and badly need a marquee win to improve their chances for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/325144.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/325144.html Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:34 EST
He figured that would be enough for the Cards to earn a first-round bye in the Big East Tournament and that it would also put them in good position for a favorable seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Now, having won six in a row, No. 18/23 UofL (21-6) is down to having to win two of four to reach the original goal, a task that seems much more manageable, especially in light of the way the Cards have been playing lately.

"That was a lofty goal, but we're getting closer," Pitino said.

Going into Sunday's game at Pittsburgh (19-6, 7-5 before Thursday night's game at Notre Dame), UofL has won 11 in a row in February dating back to last season. And the Cards have won their first six games in February for the first time in 10 years.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/322144.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/322144.html Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:41 EST
Pitino added: 'Not 10 percent, not 5 percent, zero chance.' And they really took it to heart."

And took it to Syracuse (17-10, 7-7) on the glass. Aided greatly by their 53-35 dominance on the boards, the No. 18/23 Cardinals (21-6, 11-3) overcame serious foul trouble by both its centers and poor shooting to score the game's last nine points and defeat the Orange 61-50.

The Big East Conference win, in front of 19,868 in Freedom Hall and ESPN's Big Monday TV audience, enabled UofL to keep pace with Georgetown, which had defeated Providence earlier in the day.

Heading into Sunday's game at Pittsburgh (19-6, 7-5), the Cards and Hoyas are deadlocked for the league lead.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/420219.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/420219.html Sat, 31 May 2008 01:48 EDT
Jason Haniger and Charlie Blackmon each had three hits and two RBI, leading Georgia Tech past Louisville 8-5 Friday at the NCAA Athens regional.

The Big East champion Cardinals (41-20) came into the NCAAs on quite a roll, having won 25 of 31 games. But their season is one loss from being done despite Justin McClanahan's two homers.

Georgia Tech manufactured a run in the first. Blackmon led off with a walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, stole third and came home on Luke Murton's sacrifice fly.

Blackmon was in the middle of things again in the second as the Yellow Jackets pushed across another run after two outs. Haniger and Patrick Long hit back-to-back singles, and Chris House walked to load the bases. Blackmon singled sharply to right, driving in a run, but Stewart Ijames easily threw out Long at the plate to end the inning. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/417500.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/417500.html Wed, 28 May 2008 09:41 EDT
Double Elimination

At USA Baseball National Training Complex, Cary, N.C.

Friday, May 30

Game 1 — North Carolina Wilmington (42-15-1) vs. Elon (43-16), 2 p.m.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/413597.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/413597.html Fri, 23 May 2008 13:32 EDT
The Cardinals now move into Saturday's Big East championship game.

McClanahan went 5-for-6, matching a Big East Tournament record for hits, and set tournament records for RBI in a game (seven) and tournament (12), as well as total bases in a game (11). When teammate Chris Dominguez hit a three-run home run in the seventh, he matched the previous tournament record of nine RBI.

Louisville (40-19), which has scored 39 runs in three games in Clearwater, plays for the Big East crown against either second-seeded Cincinnati or sixth-seeded USF, who were to play Friday afternoon.

Villanova (30-28) was the last team to make the tournament but stuck around for four days, its only losses coming to the Cardinals. Outfielder James Dolbier also finished the tournament with nine RBIs after a two-run single.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/413662.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/413662.html Fri, 23 May 2008 14:19 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/478127.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/478127.html Sat, 02 Aug 2008 08:02 EDT
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. . Chris Redman already pulled off the improbable, going from insurance salesman to starting NFL quarterback.

The former Louisville Cardinal is not going to just step aside quietly and let some hotshot rookie take his job.

While Matt Ryan is unquestionably the Atlanta Falcons' future, Redman is living very much in the present. He has every intention of being out on the field for the first snap of the season Sept. 7.

.You're always competing, no matter where you're at,. he said. .I'll try to win some games and see what happens.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/476138.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/476138.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:03 EDT
If there is a noticeable lack of summer chatter about this year's Kentucky-Louisville football opener, perhaps it is because both the Big Blue Nation and Planet Red have absolutely no idea what to say.

Neither side can pound its chest and confidently proclaim itself the presumptive winner come the afternoon of August 31 in the River City.

Not when among the Kentucky players missing from campus next week will be quarterback Andre Woodson, running back Rafael Little, receiver Keenan Burton, receiver Steve Johnson, tight end Jacob Tamme and linebacker Wesley Woodyard.

Not when Louisville must make do without quarterback Brian Brohm, receiver Harry Douglas, receiver Mario Urrutia, tight end Gary Barnidge and kicker Art Carmody. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/450230.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/450230.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:55 EDT
The Cardinals will face an 18-game conference schedule in which teams will face all Big East teams, plus repeat games against three opponents.

Louisville's home conference opponents will include Connecticut, DePaul, Marquette, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Providence, Seton Hall, USF and West Virginia. The Cardinals' nine league road games will be at Cincinnati, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Rutgers, St. John's, USF, Syracuse, Villanova and West Virginia.

"As tough as our schedule was last season, this year our Big East and non-conference schedule could be the toughest we have ever faced," said U of L Coach Rick Pitino, whose team played the nation's sixth-toughest schedule by the ratings percentage index (RPI) last season. "With as many as nine Big East teams ranked in the early top 25 rankings, this could be the strongest season for the league since its inception. We look forward to the challenge and I know it will be fun for our fans and players alike."

Seven Big East Conference teams were in the among the nation's top 25 in a recent ranking by ESPN.com's Andy Katz, including three of the first five picks . No. 2 Pittsburgh, No. 4 Notre Dame, and No. 5 Louisville. U of L is second nationally in a CBSSports.com pre-season ranking by Gary Parrish, one of seven Big East teams among the top 16. The Cardinals are No. 6 in a similar ranking by Jeff Goodman of Foxsports.com with eight Big East teams are in the listing.

U of L will return four starters . seniors Terrence Williams and Andre McGee, and juniors Earl Clark and Jerry Smith . from a team which posted a 27-9 record, was runner-up in the Big East Conference, and reached the NCAA Elite Eight for the third time in 11 years. The Cardinals will welcome seven newcomers, including 2008 USA Today high school player of the year Samardo Samuels, a 6-8 forward/center.

U of L's complete schedule, including dates and times for the Big East games, is expected in early September.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/420693.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/420693.html Sat, 31 May 2008 19:04 EDT
Georgia, upset by Lipscomb on Friday night, trailed 5-2 through six innings but rallied to avoid the two-game ouster from its regional. The Bulldogs (36-22-1) took the lead with seven runs on eight hits in the seventh.

Beckham set a school record with his 24th homer of the season off Louisville closer B.J. Rosenberg to tie the game.

Stewart Ijames hit a two-run homer and Jeff Arnold added another homer in the ninth off Georgia closer Joshua Fields.

Georgia improved to 12-0 in NCAA tournament elimination games at Foley Field.]]>