LOUISVILLE, Ky.— Louisville's fans roared when the Cardinals tried to charge Massachusetts early in the second half Wednesday night. But the Minutemen were ready.

After all, Massachusetts coach Travis Ford played for Louisville coach Rick Pitino when they were both at Kentucky in the early 1990s.

Rashaun Freeman scored 21 points as Massachusetts (9-2) beat Louisville (5-3) 72-68.

"Coach Ford told us we could be up 20, and they could come back at anytime and make a game of it," said forward Etienne Brower. "Don't let down."

Brower scored eight points for Massachusetts, going 3-for-3 from the field and on free throws.

And Massachusetts didn't let down. The Minutemen took charge, scoring the next eight points over two minutes.

Massachusetts led 41-26 at halftime despite not making a field goal for the last 6:23 of the half, and Louisville (5-3) held the Minutemen scoreless for almost five minutes at the start of the second half.

Louisville trailed by as much as 17 points in the first half. The Cardinals' only lead of the game came after a layup by freshman swingman Earl Clark made it 9-8 with about 16 minutes in the half.

Massachusetts held Louisville to 23 percent field-goal shooting and outrebounded the Cardinals 21-15 in the first half.