Sports
 

Pitino will sit out game against the Coogs tonight

Cougar Sports Services

When the 15-1 Louisville Cardinals take on UH, they will be without their leader, head coach Rick Pitino.

Pitino, 51, underwent treatment Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic for what he described as a "urological-related" pain in his left side adding that he might return to the sideline this weekend, The Associated Press reported.

"I hope to be back coaching by this weekend and resuming full responsibility with our team," Pitino said in a statement. "It is not a cancer-related or life-threatening matter."

Until Pitinois return, assistant coach Kevin Willard will call the shots.

Earlier this month, Pitino underwent tests for prostate and bladder cancer at a Louisville hospital, with both coming back negative, Willard told the AP.

After facing the Cougars (7-9) at 6:30 p.m. in Louisville, the No. 4 (AP) Cardinals take on another Conference USA rival, Marquette, on Saturday.

Pitino, the former coach of the Kentucky Wildcats and the NBAis Boston Celtics, has been coaching at Louisville since 2001.

No timetable for his return has been set.

 Send comments to dcsports@mail.uh.edu