Rick Pitino was promising a radio audience a couple of hours before tipoff that he fully intends to return as University of Louisville basketball coach. That he expects UofL have a top 10 team next season, setting a positive tone for the evening.
Visions of the collapse against Virginia came to mind, however, as Syracuse raced to an 18-6 lead over the first nine minutes. The power of positive thinking turning south, the Cardinals shooting blanks early, missing 11 of their first 14 shots. Looking a little bleak, all too familiar, Pitino pleading, cajoling, pacing court side, willing something to happen.