Free Live Odds - Scores and Odds - Sports News - Sports Information - Live Scores - Sports Statistics - Sports Articles - Sports Standings - Live Scor

GAME NOTES: The second-ranked Syracuse Orange are out for some revenge, as they host the Louisville Cardinals today in a rematch of last season's Big East Tournament title game.

The Cardinals topped the Orange, 76-66, in the championship game last year, as they swept both meetings to improve to 10-4 all-time against Syracuse.

The defending Big East champion Cardinals however, haven't done all that great of a job protecting their title this season and are a modest 6-5 in conference play at the moment. Most recently, Louisville was shredded, 74-55, at St. John's on Thursday, snapping a two-game win streak. At 15-9 overall, Louisville is in jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament unless it can put together a late run.

Syracuse meanwhile, is off to the best start in program history, winning 24 of its first 25 games. Since losing to Pittsburgh on January 2nd, the Orange have run off 11 wins in a row, including a 72-67 besting of Connecticut on Wednesday. It marked the 15th win in 16 home games for Syracuse, which is now 11-1 in conference play.

Louisville was outscored 12-0 at the start of the game and it never recovered in a 74-55 loss at SJU on Thursday. The Cardinals struggled from both long range (6-of-19) and at the foul line (9-of-18), in addition to turning the ball over 16 times. Samardo Samuels paced the team in defeat with 18 points and six boards. It was a solid effort from Samuels, the team's leading scorer (15.8 ppg) and rebounder (7.4 rpg) on the season. Edgar Sosa however, had an off night, as he went scoreless and had five turnovers. It was an uncharacteristic performance by Sosa, who averages 13.0 ppg and a team-high 4.1 apg on the campaign.

The Orange converted 23-of-28 free-throw attempts, including 16-of-19 in the second half, as they held off UConn for a 72-67 win on Wednesday. Rick Jackson turned in 15 points and seven rebounds to lead a balanced attack, while Kris Joseph added 14 points and six boards. Wes Johnson tacked on 13 points and nine rebounds and the Iowa State transfer paces Syracuse in both departments on the season, averaging 16.1 ppg and 8.8 rpg. Joseph has worked his way to second on the scoring list with 11.3 ppg coming off the bench, while Andy Rautins contributes 10.6 ppg and a team-high 4.8 apg. Arinze Onuaku chips in with 10.2 ppg for Syracuse, which is shooting a sensational 52.7 percent from the floor.

Syracuse has more weapons than Louisville does and that should help the Orange outlast the Cardinals in this one.