Louisville's Gorgui Dieng, left, DePaul's Donnavan Kirk, center, and Louisville's Russ Smith, back, fight for the loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Rosemont, Ill., on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

Top 25: No. 19 Louisville 90, DePaul 82

By RICK GANO

| The Associated Press

First Published Feb 18 2012 01:31 pm • Last Updated Feb 19 2012 12:00 am

Rosemont, Ill. • Russ Smith hit back-to-back baskets in overtime Saturday and No. 19 Louisville rallied from an early 17-point deficit to beat DePaul 90-82, the Cardinals’ seventh win in eight games.

Kyle Kuric scored 25 points, Chris Smith added 20 and Russ Smith 16 to lead the Cardinals (21-6, 9-5 Big East), who trailed by 10 at the half in the noisy Allstate Arena where they were cheered by a large contingent of red-clad fans.

DePaul (11-15, 2-12) has now lost 36 straight games to ranked opponents. The Blue Demons have lost 11 of their last 12 but this was a game they appeared ready to win, building a big first-half lead.

Brandon Young scored 27 and Cleveland Melvin chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds for DePaul.

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