Louisville won its first Big East championship since 2009, beating the fourth-seeded Bearcats 50-44 to nab its second Big East title overall.
The Cardinals (27-9, 10-8) went on a 9-0 run early to grab a 14-6 advantage and didn't relinquish it.
Chris Smith was the top-scorer on the Cardinals with 15 points including three buckets from beyond the arc.
A huge boost was also given when Peyton Siva returned in the second half after landing awkwardly on his ankle. Siva was injured on a layup attempt and left for the last three minutes of the first half. He played splendidly after returning:
At one juncture the Cardinals had a 16-point cushion with a little over eight minutes left in regulation before Cincinnati made one last push only to come up short. Ultimately free throws cost the Bearcats the title. They shot a disastrous 1 of 7 from the line.
Cincinnati (24-11, 12-6) was paced by Cashmere Wright, who scored 16 points.
With the Big East Tournament complete, both teams can gear up for March Madness. Louisville has epic momentum entering the Big Dance while Cincinnati also is feeling pretty good.
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