NEXT FOR THE CARDINALS

Who: Memphis

When: 10 p.m.

Where: Memphis, Tenn.

TV: ESPN

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The University of Louisville men's basketball team will enter the toughest portion of its schedule — with six of its next nine games on the road — without its two best players.

Cardinals coach Rick Pitino said last night that neither guard Taquan Dean (groin) nor forward Francisco Garcia (ankle) will make the trip to Memphis for tonight's 10 o'clock game against the Tigers (14-4, 5-2), who with five straight wins are the hottest team in Conference USA.

Pitino said he hoped Garcia could play, but he was not able to practice yesterday afternoon. He said he didn't want Garcia on the team plane because that might cause more swelling in his ankle. The coach also said Dean is questionable for Saturday's home game against Alabama Birmingham and could miss up to two weeks.

"We're behind the eight ball right now," Pitino said. "But there's too much at stake to make excuses."

Freshman Brandon Jenkins will draw the start at point guard, with senior Alhaji Mohammed starting for Garcia.