CONFERENCE USA: Louisville, a national power for over thirty years, won its first conference championship since it joined Conference USA ten years ago, beating UAB, 83-78. The Cardinals withstood a late rally from the Blazers, who twice had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final thirty seconds, only to squander their breaks with boneheaded shot selection. It will be Rick Pitino's first trip to the NCAA Tournament since he took Kentucky to the Finals against Arizona in 1997.