LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Peyton Siva’s career highs of five 3-pointers and 12 assists helped No. 5 Louisville roll past Florida International 79-55 on Wednesday night.
It was the first meeting between Cardinals coach Rick Pitino and Richard Pitino, his son and Panthers counterpart. The younger Pitino, 30, served two stints as a Louisville assistant before taking over for Isiah Thomas at FIU this season.
Siva finished with 15 points in posting his first double-double since the season opener.
Wayne Blackshear tied his career best with a game-high 18 points. Chane Behanan added 14 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double this season.
The Cardinals (10-1) shot 49 percent and hit 12 3-pointers, tying a season high. They also committed just 11 turnovers in winning the 11th annual Billy Minardi Classic, named for Pitino’s brother-in-law who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.
Tymell Murphy scored 12 points and 12 rebounds for FIU (3-5).