El Ellis’ 18 points help Louisville survive Pitt 75-72

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — El Ellis scored 18 points off the bench, including seven consecutive for Louisville during a critical late stretch to put the Cardinals ahead for good before holding off Pittsburgh 75-72 on Wednesday night. A second half featuring 16 lead changes finally swung the Cardinals’ way thanks to Ellis, who hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 5:11 remaining for a 63-61 lead. The junior guard added another go-ahead jumper and two free throws to make it 67-63 before Sydney Curry added a layup and Noah Locke a 3 for a 72-65 cushion that Louisville needed. Jamaris Burton had 21 points for the Panthers.