The Louisville Cardinal

Louisville's win over Michigan in the 2013 NCAA championship game was the culmination of a basketball season few Cardinal fans will ever forget, and this commemorative book takes fans through the team's amazing journey, from their "Battle of the Bluegrass" win over Kentucky to the final seconds in Atlanta. Led by a backcourt featuring "Russdiculous" Russ Smith and star point guard Peyton Siva, Coach Rick Pitino's squad dominated the Big East, winning both the regular season and Big East Tournament championships and earned the top seed in the NCAA tournament. Louisville then stormed past North Carolina A&T, Colorado State, Oregon, and Duke to reach the Final Four for the second consecutive season. Guard Kevin Ware's gruesome leg injury against Duke inspired the team's triumphant performance in the Final Four, when a comeback win over Wichita State set up the title game matchup against the Wolverines. Adding to the school's memorable season, the Louisville women's basketball team upset top-seeded Baylor and also reached the NCAA championship game. Unbreakable: Louisville's Inspired 2013 Championship Run is packed with unique analysis from the U of L's independent student newspaper, stunning action photography, and in-depth profiles of Pitino, Smith, Siva, Ware, Luke Hancock, and Gorgui Dieng. Also included is a special section on Coach Jeff Walz's team and the Cardinals' road to the Women's Final Four in New Orleans.