Rick Pitino won’t bring Louisville to Las Vegas

Tuesday, April 23, 2002 | 10:58 a.m.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino still won't make room on his schedule for UNLV. After dumping UNLV from its schedule last season in favor of Indiana, Louisville has decided not to play the Rebels this season in the Las Vegas Showdown on Dec. 21 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Pitino, who turned down an offer to become UNLV's coach in March 2001, said he wants to schedule games in Louisville's recruiting areas. UNLV is owed a $50,000 cancellation fee by Louisville.

UNLV and ESPN Regional are scrambling to find a new opponent for the annual two-game event. Purdue and Arizona State are scheduled to meet in the other game.

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