By Chris O’Grady

Against the number one team in the nation, the U of L basketball team lived up to the expectations of one last chance to make memories at Freedom Hall.

In the last game in the 54 year history of the fabled arena’s home to Louisville basketball the Cards’ upset Big East champion Syracuse 78-68, in a game that was like no other for Coach Rick Pitino.

“I’ve been very fortunate to coach in final fours, etc. but I never felt too much pressure to win,” said Pitino. “Tonight I did for
the first time.”

Pitino said he wrestled with the possibility of losing the final game through restless sleep. But thanks in large part to the contributions of sophomore guard Kyle Kuric, who averaged less than 14 minutes per game this season, but scored 22 points, including a pair of
spectacular dunks.

“He put on a great performance that he’ll remember for the rest of his life,” said Pitino. “I’m real proud of him and all the guys for
the way they executed.”

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim agreed, keying on his contributions, as well as Louisville’s success against the zone defense.

“We knew he was a good player, he just doesn’t play that much,” said Boeheim. “He may be (Louisville’s) best shooter, we just don’t know since he doesn’t play.”

Kuric, who Pitino has long trademarked as shy, took advantage of his moment, scoring all 22 points in the second half for the Cardinals (20-11, 11-7) to likely secure an NCAA tournament bid.

“It’s an unbelievable moment,” said Kuric. “It’s what every kid dreams of.”

Syracuse (28-3, 15-3) had already wrapped up the Big East regular season title with a win over Villanova. Sophomore Scoop Jardine led the Orange with 20 points and junior Rick Jackson added 10 points
and 10 rebounds. Pittsburgh is the only other team to beat Syracuse
this season.

Louisville seems to have the Orange’s number this year, coupling this win with a 66-60 win in the Carrier Dome on Feb 14.

“We have now beaten the number one team twice,” said Pitino. “We know how good they are, but we just kept with our plan.”

The Cardinals will be the number six seed in the Big East tournament which starts Wednesday, March 10 at Madison Square Garden in New York. This is the first season all 16 teams will be included. The Cards will play the winner of the 11/14 seed game, likely between
Cincinnati or UConn and Rutgers.

After win number 682 for the Cards at Freedom Hall, coach Pitino
handed the floor over to Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum, who along with members of the 1980 and 1986 national championship teams spoke at halftime.

“I think it’s time to celebrate Freedom Hall; celebrate (the former players) coming back” said Pitino. “I thought he (Crum) should have the closing remarks to this wonderful building; he deserves it.”The University of Louisville men’s basketball team beat #1 Syracuse 78-68 in the last game at Freedom Hall.  This was the second time U of L beat Syracuse this season, and the sixth straight win against them.  U of L’s next game will Wednesday in New York in the second round of the Big East tournament.