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Louisville, Ky. • Russ Smith scored a career-high 31 points to help No. 5 Louisville cruise past Missouri-Kansas City 99-47 on Saturday.
Smith was 12 of 18 from the field and 3 of 5 from 3-point range in surpassing his previous high of 30 against Kentucky last season. He led Louisville (8-1) in scoring for the sixth time in nine games.
Luke Hancock added 15 points and six rebounds, and Montrezl Harrell chipped in a career-high 14 points with seven rebounds for the Cardinals, who shot 56 percent in winning their third in a row. All but one player scored for Louisville, which posted its highest point total this season.
Louisville's defense stifled Missouri-Kansas City (4-5). Besides forcing 24 turnovers leading to 35 points, the Cardinals held the Kangaroos to 27 percent shooting, including 4 of 27 in the second half.
Louisville also outrebounded UMKC 47-33.
Nelson Kirksey and Trinity Hall led the Kangaroos with nine points each. —