( CNN ) -- The Louisville Cardinals defeated the Michigan Wolverines , 82-76 , to win the NCAA Division I men 's basketball championship Monday night in Atlanta . The showdown was one for the ages , with a dazzling array of airborne theatrics , jaw-dropping dunks and 3-pointers from well behind the line . The Cardinals surged from a double-digit deficit in the first half to lead during much of the second half and finally clinch the victory . Pitino gets Hall of Fame nod . Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino said his team was able to top the Wolverines ' `` absolutely incredible '' performance `` probably because I have the 13 toughest guys I 've ever coached . '' The Cardinals played without Kevin Ware , the sophomore guard who suffered one of the most grotesque injuries in college sports while playing Duke on March 31 . During a routine block attempt , Ware landed awkwardly and snapped his right shin , drawing gasps of horror as the bone protruded through his skin . Ware joined his teammates during the championship trophy presentation on crutches . `` These are my brothers , you know . They got the job done , and I 'm so proud of them . '' Ware 's teammate Luke Hancock was named the tournament 's Most Outstanding Player , helping pull Louisville out of a 12-point hole to lead the Cardinals with 22 points . `` We just went into war right there against a great Michigan team , '' the junior forward said . Naismith Trophy winner Trey Burke led a ferocious Michigan squad with 24 points , but it was n't enough to top No . 1 seed Louisville . Now , Pitino must live up to a promise he made to his players this season . `` They said , 'If you win the national championship , coach , you 're getting a tattoo . ' I said , 'Hell yes , I 'm getting a tattoo . ' ''
The Louisville Cardinals rallied from a double-digit deficit to claim the title . Louisville played without Kevin Ware , who broke his leg March 31 . Coach Rick Pitino promised his players he 'd get a tattoo if the Cardinals win . Naismith Trophy winner Trey Burke led Michigan with 24 points .