Louisville back in action, takes on Western Kentucky

Nov 30, 2008 - 8:11 AM Western Kentucky (2-2) at No. 3 Louisville (2-0) 3:00 p.m. EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- After a pair of easy victories en route to winning the Billy Minardi Classic at home last weekend, third-ranked Louisville heads to a neutral site to duel in-state rival Western Kentucky on Sunday.

The Cardinals cruised to the tournament championship by defeating Morehead State and South Alabama by an average of 33.5 points.

Samardo Samuels scored 24 points in an 81-54 win over South Alabama. The freshman has converted 17 of his 22 field-goal attempts in his first two games and may be relied upon to fill the Cardinals' major hole in the center following the departure of David Padgett and Juan Palacios.

The game with the Hilltoppers is the only contest in Louisville's first seven that will be played away from home. The Cardinals' first true road game doesn't come until December 20 at Minnesota.

Following a Sun Belt Conference tournament championship and regional semifinal in last year's NCAA Tournament, the Hilltoppers have gotten off to an inconsistent start this campaign.

Coming off an 89-61 thrashing at the hands of Murray State, Western Kentucky bounced back with a 79-70 triumph over Southern Illinois Wednesday. Steffphon Pettigrew and Sergop Kerusch scored 20 points apiece as the Hilltoppers evened their record.

Four players are averaging in double-figures with A.J. Slaughter and Kerusch at 12.5 and 12.3 points, respectively.