Dayton, OH –  The Louisville Cardinals came into the NCAA Tournament as the top overall seed and vindicated themselves Monday by beating Michigan, 82-76, in an intense national championship game at the Georgia Dome. Luke Hancock, after erupting for 20 points in Saturday's comeback win over Wichita State, scored 14 of his 22 points in a three-minute span late in the first half to help the Cardinals overcome another double-digit deficit. Hancock, part of a shorthanded bench due to the absence of Kevin Ware, also hit a dagger 3-pointer and two clutch free throws down the stretch to seal Louisville's third national title and first since 1986. The Cardinals (35-5) relied on a balanced attack and relentless pursuit of the ball with Russ Smith having an off-shooting night. They grabbed 11 offensive rebounds to Michigan's one in the second half and had six players score at least eight points, including Smith, who had nine on 3-of-16 shooting. Peyton Siva netted 14 of his 18 points after the break while Chane Behanan contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds in a victory that closed out a memorable day for Rick Pitino. Pitino, whose induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame was announced Monday, became the first coach to win national titles at two different schools, capturing his first with Kentucky in 1996. Michigan (31-8) was again led by Naismith Trophy winner Trey Burke, who scored 24 points despite playing just six minutes in the first half because of foul trouble.