Louisville reaches semifinals
Chris Smith #5 of the Louisville Cardinals brings the ball up court against Dwight Buycks #23 of the Marquette Golden Eagles during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament. (March 10, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
One thing could be said for sure about Louisville and Marquette Thursday night: No one was taking anything for granted, not after the previous game between the teams ended with Louisville overcoming an 18-point deficit in the final 5:44 to win.
The third-seeded Cardinals did not need that kind of comeback in the quarterfinal of the Big East Tournament. In fact, they held an 18-point lead at almost the exact time in the game and beat Marquette, 81-56. Mike Marra had 22 points and Preston Knowles scored 15.
Most people in the Big East believe Marquette (20-14) cemented an NCAA Tournament berth with its wins over Providence and West Virginia this week. Louisville (24-8), one of four teams receiving two-round byes, is playing for a trophy, momentum and NCAA seeding. It will face Notre Dame in a semifinal at 9:30 Friday night.
