"Our game plan was to cut off the paint," Izzo said. "I thought we did actually a very good job of that. And yet they hit some 3's."
Louisville shifted gears to open the second half, getting two layups and a dunk to keep its cushion. Swopshire followed with an alley-oop to Siva for the point guard's first points, then stole the inbound pass to set up two free throws by Russ Smith that put the Cardinals up 35-25.
Michigan State managed a short run to get within four, but Louisville used its pressure to get a couple of steals and baskets to go up 43-32. Dieng followed with a couple more swats — one on Keith Appling that sailed into the stands — to keep the Spartans at arm's length.
"He played an exceptional game," Pitino said.
Good enough to get Louisville into the regional final for the third time in six years, a trip to New Orleans and the Final Four within its sights.
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