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Williams leads balanced attack as Louisville bounces back

Nov 25, 2007 - 3:22 AM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- Terrence Williams scored a season-high 20 points to lead four others in double figures as No. 6 Louisville rebounded from its first loss of the season with a 64-53 victory over Old Dominion in Saturday's Las Vegas Invitational.

Derrick Caracter had 13 points and Ben Finney and Earl Clark added 11 each for the Cardinals (4-1), who absorbed a 78-76 setback at the hands of Brigham Young on Friday.

"This was really difficult stretch for our guys," Louisville coach Rick Pitino said. "Our guys played terrific in the second half. They really dug in and I was proud of them. Our guys responded in a good way."

Clark also dominated on the glass, grabbing 15 rebounds.

With only eight scholarship players available due to the knee injuries to seniors Juan Palacios and David Padgett, Pitino was glad everyone stepped up to the challenge.

"We just had to survive in the zone. We didn't play any man-to-man," Pitino said. "We have to challenge shots. We played great defense in the first five minutes. These guys were just playing too many minutes to sustain that effort."

The 6-6 Williams continue his impressive junior campaign, connecting on 8-of-10 shots - including 2-of-3 3-pointers. He poured in eight straight points during a 14-5 run over the final 4 1/2 minutes of the contest.

"I think a lot of distractions in (Williams') life have gone away," Pitino said. "I just think that it was rough going in the beginning for him. He fell prey to the sophomore jinx more than anyone. We're a much better basketball team when he's playing well. He's doing a much better job."

Gerald Lee netted 20 points and Brian Henderson chipped in 14 for Old Dominion (3-3), which shot just 32 percent (19-of-59).

After falling behind 10-0 over the opening 6 1/2 minutes of the contest, the Monarchs regrouped to forge a 28-17 advantage at intermission.

Saturday marked the third game in four nights for the undermanned Cardinals.

"I just think they're playing too many minutes," Pitino said. "Top press the whole game and to run and do what they're doing, is very difficult for them. To play three games in four days is very difficult with no substitutes."