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McGee leads Louisville past overmatched Hartford

Nov 17, 2007 - 9:19 PM LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Ticker) -- Andre McGee could be another weapon for an already experienced Louisville team.

McGee scored 15 of his 18 points in the first half and led a long-range barrage as the sixth-ranked Cardinals coasted to a 104-69 rout of Hartford in their season opener on Saturday.

A 5-10 guard who averaged just 2.6 points last season as a sophomore, McGee quickly showed he could be another threat for a team which returns its top seven scorers.

McGee made two of his five 3-pointers in the first half in a 23-7 surge that helped Louisville open a 36-17 bulge with under seven minutes remaining before the break. McGee did all of his damage from the arc, going 6-of-9 overall.

With McGee leading the way, the Cardinals made 22-of-35 3-pointers overall.

Terrence Williams was just as good for the Cardinals as he collected a triple-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists.

Edgar Sosa added 15 points and Jerry Smith 14 for Louisville, which placed seven players in double figures.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino won his 495th career game.

Pitino had to be happy with his club's offensive efficiency as the Cardinals shot 55 percent (36-of-65).

This marked the first game of the Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Invitational. The Cardinals will host Jackson State on Sunday, then head to Las Vegas and play two more games next weekend

Already playing their fourth game, the Hawks (1-3) never led, falling to 1-26 all-time against Big East opponents.

Joe Zeglinski scored 13 to lead Hartford, which shot 40 percent (24-of-59).