Times wires
Sunday, February 27, 2011
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville forward Kyle Kuric's first attempt at a clinching shot against No. 4 Pittsburgh got slammed right back in his face.
The second put the No. 16 Cardinals ahead in overtime. The third nearly led to one of the most costly premature celebrations in recent memory.
Kuric had 12 points, including two big baskets in overtime, to lead the Cardinals past the Panthers 62-59 on Sunday in a victory that showcased Louisville's toughness against one of the nation's most physical teams.
"Sometimes you can't play your style, sometimes you have to play the other team's style and win," Kuric said. "It was a big win for us for obvious reasons. We won with defense, No. 1, and then rebounding. If you miss a shot, don't let it affect you."
Kuric hardly looked bothered when his winning layup at the end of regulation was swatted by Brad Wanamaker. The junior swingman hit a 3-pointer early in OT then appeared to seal Louisville's second win over a top five team this season on a dunk with less than a second left.
That's when things got bizarre.
The clock didn't stop after the basket, which put the Cardinals up 62-57, and the horn sounded. Louisville cheerleaders raced onto the floor, with one grabbing the ball and tossing it in the air.
Officials called Louisville (22-7, 11-5 Big East) for a delay of game technical foul and put 0.5 seconds back on the clock. Ashton Gibbs hit two free throws and the Panthers (25-4, 13-3) had a chance to tie, but Gibbs couldn't get off a desperation heave in time.
NO. 2 OHIO ST. 82, INDIANA 61: Deshaun Thomas, last year's Indiana Mr. Basketball, came out of a slump with 22 points for the host Buckeyes (27-2, 14-2 Big Ten), who are likely to ascend to No. 1 this week.
NO. 8 PURDUE 67, MICH. ST. 47: JaJuan Johnson had 20 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocks for the visiting Boilermakers (24-5, 13-3 Big Ten), who have won six straight.
NO. 12 WIS. 78, N'WESTERN 63: Jon Leuer had 26 points for the Badgers (22-6, 12-4 Big Ten), who finished 16-0 at home this season, their third perfect home mark under coach Bo Ryan.
NO. 14 UCONN 67, CINCINNATI 59: Kemba Walker scored 11 of his 16 in the second half as the visiting Huskies (21-7, 9-7 Big East) snapped a two-game skid.
NO. 19 UNC 87, MARYLAND 76: Tyler Zeller had 25 points and former Sickles standout John Henson had 15 rebounds and seven blocks as the host Tar Heels (22-6, 12-2) tied Duke atop the ACC. North Carolina next visits FSU and Duke hosts Clemson, both Wednesday, then they meet Saturday at UNC to close the regular season.
NO. 25 XAVIER 66, DAYTON 62: Tu Holloway had 26 points and the visiting Musketeers (22-6, 13-1) remained alone atop the Atlantic 10.