The Cardinals shot 59.3 percent (32-for-54) from the field and 24 of those baskets came off assists.

The Sooners never found any offensive rhythm and had to settle for too many jump shots. They were just 15-for-47 from the field and committed 16 turnovers.

“It just got a little out of hand when they made a big run and we really couldn’t respond to that,” said Godbold, who scored a game-high 15 points.

Taylor Griffin added 11. Blake Griffin added eight points and was the focus of constant double teams.

The post, however, belonged to the Cardinals. OU center Longar Longar scored just two points on 1-for-8 shooting and the Cardinals enjoyed a 44-20 scoring edge in the paint.

“I really can’t find a weakness in the way the guys played tonight,” Louisville coach Rick Pitino said. “They did a tremendous job.”

The Sooners enter the offseason knowing the program is heading in an upward direction, but facing some uncertainty.

Rumors have flown that Capel is leaving to go to South Carolina.

“I’m planning on being here, hopefully, for a long time,” Capel said Sunday after being asked if he’s coached his last game at OU.

He also talked at length about the lengthy strides his team made in his second season. OU went from 16-15 a year ago to 23-12, finished fourth in the Big 12 Conference and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The future looks very bright. It’s even brighter if Blake Griffin elects to return for his sophomore season. Following the game, he said he’ll take the next three or four weeks to make a decision.

His brother, Taylor Griffin, will be a senior next season and admitted there’s a lot to consider.

“I’m split just because, as a brother, you want what’s best for him,” Taylor said. “As a teammate, I would want what’s best for the team.

“Ultimately, the brother comes out more than the teammate. We’re going to talk about it with my parents, Coach Capel, some of the people that are really close. I really can’t tell you anything about what I think he’s going to do.”

It was a good year for the Sooners. But already there’s buzz around next season.