LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Russ Smith put Louisville in front for good with 6:52 to play Friday and led a late-game surge that gave the No. 4 Cardinals a 70-60 win over Western Kentucky.
Louisville overcame an eight-point deficit in the second half to remain unbeaten in 12 games this season.
The Cardinals had a three-point lead at intermission, but did not score a point during the first 5:38 of the second half. Western Kentucky built a 47-39 advantage before Louisville began its rally and the Cardinals closed the game with a 31-13 run.
Smith hit a 3-pointer as part of 14 consecutive Louisville points that pushed the Cardinals into a 52-50 lead, and finished with 23. He hit 8-of-10 from the foul line to help keep the Cardinals in front down the stretch.
Kyle Kuric added 15 points for Louisville and Gorgui Dieng had 13 points with 15 rebounds.
The Hilltoppers (4-9) were led by Jamal Crook and Derrick Gordon with 13 points each.
Louisville, one of six Big East Conference teams in the national rankings, will open league play Wednesday at home against No. 16 Georgetown.
