Jan. 2, 2005

By BRUCE SCHREINER
Associated Press Writer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Francisco Garcia matched his career-high with 29 points, including eight straight during a 27-4 run, and No. 19 Louisville pulled away for a 98-64 victory over Tennessee State on Sunday.

Garcia hit four 3-pointers and Larry O'Bannon added three over Tennessee State's zone as the Cardinals (11-2) hit 12 from behind the arc despite the absence of 3-point specialist Taquan Dean because of back spasms. O'Bannon and freshman Lorrenzo Wade each finished with 14 points and Ellis Myles added 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Tennessee State (5-9) pulled within 36-30 early in the second half on a 3-pointer by Bruce Price and a dunk by Roshaun Bowens.

Perrin Johnson answered for Louisville, putting in his own miss and adding a free throw to ignite a 14-2 run. Brad Gianiny contributed a 3-pointer and threaded a bounce pass to Garcia for a dunk.

Louisville's biggest first-half lead was 36-16 on a layup by Myles with 3:56 left. Tennessee State answered with nine straight points, including a 3-pointer by Price, to make it 36-25 at halftime.

Price finished with 24 points, going 5-of-9 on 3-pointers, but missed several minutes during Louisville's long second-half spurt after being carried off the court with an apparent leg injury. Price later returned to the game. Eric King added 16 points for Tennessee State.

Juan Palacios had 14 rebounds for Louisville, which had a 45-31 advantage on the boards.

Louisville was 35-of-65 from the field (53.8 percent), while Tennessee State was 23-of-62 (37.1 percent.) The Cardinals were 12-of-31 from 3-point range, and Tennessee State hit only eight of 24.

The Cardinals' last four wins came against Ohio Valley Conference teams in preparation for the start of Conference USA play Wednesday at Houston.