[drlowz]

RickPitino had an unbelievable debut as the new head man of the Louisville Cardinals. Before a sellout crowd at Freedom Hall, the Cards had no problem defeating a South Alabama team 92 to 38.

The Cards are Pitino's fourth college team and he always wins the first game.This was his first college game since Arizona beat Kentucky in the 1997 NCAA Championship Game.

On the hardwood, the Cards showed tough defense and kept South Alabama from scoring in the double digits until 17 minutes into the first half. From then on, Louisville was never below a 35 point lead and then went to a fifty point lead before the buzzer sounded to end the game.

Reece Gaines scored 18 points for Louisville

Fans at Freedom Hall before tip off said they really didn't know what to expect from this new Cardinal team. Thomas Bradford of Louisville has been a season ticket holder for 15 years.

"I saw some things I liked in the exhibition game, and I think we are going to do all right," Bradford told WAVE 3 News.

"This is the big opener and I think it is going to be pretty exciting, " said Card fan Kevin Harrington. " I don't think the fans are worried about winning or losing but they just want to see the new Pitino guys."

By the time the second half began, some fans of the new Planet Red could believe what they had seen.

"I think it is pretty impressive. If we can hold en under 40 points i think that will be a good statement about the first game, " said Bob Lindsey of Louisville.

Joey Myers had a different feel to what was going on. " It's so much fun to come into Freedom Hall and have excitement again and to be winning like this sis just unbelievable.

Pitino in the after game press conference when asked about the final score simply said " I guess winning by 50 points shows we are making progress."

[Ninong]

"The Cards are Pitino's fourth college team and he always wins the first game."

Hmmm... too bad there was a second game.

Ninong

[drlowz]

Guess I spoke to soon. 90-63 ouch...