Louisville Wins Inaugural American Men's Basketball Championship - Mar 16, 2014
Montrezl Harrell (6'8''-F-94) had 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, and fifth-ranked Louisville beat No. 21 Connecticut 71-61 Saturday for the inaugural American Athletic Conference tournament title in the Cardinals' lone season in the league. The defending national champions clinched their 40th NCAA tournament berth. The Cardinals (29-5) have won three straight league tournament titles after taking the last two in the Big East, and they added their 19th overall to go with their share of the regular-season title with Cincinnati. They will play next season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Russ Smith (6'0''-G-91), named the tournament's most outstanding player, had 19 points and five steals for Louisville, and Chris Jones (5'10''-PG-91) added 11 points. UConn (26-8) came in looking for an eighth tournament title to go with seven from the Big East. It was barred from postseason play a year ago, but is a virtual lock to return to the NCAA tournament this year.
All-Tournament MVP:
Russ Smith (6'0''-G-91) of Louisville Player of the Year:
Shabazz Napier (6'1''-G-91) of Connecticut Defensive Player of the Year:
Justin Jackson (6'8''-F-90) of Cincinnati Rookie of the Year:
Austin Nichols (6'9''-F-94) of Memphis Most Improved Player of the Year:
Montrezl Harrell (6'8''-F-94) of Louisville Sixth Player of the Year:
Michael Dixon (6'1''-G-90) of Memphis Scholar-Athlete of the Year:
Jimmy McDonnell (6'10''-F) of Temple Sportsmanship Award:
Sean Kilpatrick (6'4''-G-90) of Cincinnati Coach of the Year:
Mick Cronin of Cincinnati