As Louisville maintains its tough defensive reputation, the fourth-ranked Cardinals are building a nice offensive game as well. Wednesday night's Big East Conference opener against Providence was a perfect example. Russ Smith came off the bench to score 23 points and Louisville shot 63 percent in the second half to run away from Providence 80-62. The Cardinals finished at 53 percent from the field (30 of 57), the fourth time this season they have shot at least 50 percent and the fourth straight game they have converted at least 48 percent of their attempts.
