(CNN) -- The Louisville Cardinals defeated the Michigan Wolverines, 82-76, to win the NCAA Division I men's basketball championship Monday night in Atlanta. The showdown was one for the ages, with a dazzling array of airborne theatrics, jaw-dropping dunks and 3-pointers from well behind the line. The Cardinals surged from a double-digit deficit in the first half to lead during much of the second half and finally clinch the victory. Pitino gets Hall of Fame nod Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino said his team was able to top the Wolverines' "absolutely incredible" performance "probably because I have the 13 toughest guys I've ever coached."
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The Louisville Cardinals rallied from a double-digit deficit to claim the title
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Louisville played without Kevin Ware, who broke his leg March 31
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Coach Rick Pitino promised his players he'd get a tattoo if the Cardinals win
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Naismith Trophy winner Trey Burke led Michigan with 24 points
"We just went into war right there against a great @placeholder team," the junior forward said.