The Louisville Cardinals rallied from a double-digit deficit to claim the title . Louisville played without Kevin Ware , who broke his leg March 31 . `` We just went into war right there against a great Michigan team , '' the junior forward said . Coach Rick Pitino promised his players he 'd get a tattoo if the Cardinals win . He didn't have one and was forced to wear an ankle brace for several weeks.
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 . He didn't have one and was forced to wear an ankle brace for several weeks.