After their season-opening win, the No. 2 seeded Louisville Cardinals (1-0) are expected to again dominate in their match against the Samford Bulldogs (1-1).

The Cardinals still possess 11 players from last season's 30-win team that came up short against the national champion Kentucky Wildcats in the semifinals, which includes the likes of Gorgui Dieng, Peyton Siva and Russ Smith.

All three of the respective players contributed to Louisville's 79-51 victory against Manhattan to kick off a season packed with sky-high expectations.

Cardinals' coach Rick Pitino spoke to ESPN about his satisfaction with his three talents, especially Peyton.

"I think Peyton is the best guard in the country. He rarely (rarely was) a true point before this year. I think he is brilliant and a great player," he said.

Despite Peyton's accolades, it was Smith who arguably made the biggest difference in the Cardinals win, putting up 23 points along with five steals. As a reserve in 2011-2012, he averaged 11.5 points and still wound up third in the Big East in steals.

"Somebody asked me the question: 'Who is more valuable, Gorgui or Peyton?' and I have no idea," Pitino said. "[But] who is the guy we can't win without? Russ Smith. He gives you a dimension that most teams don't have," Pitino said.

"He is unguardable and then he turns around and is the leading steal leader for a season at our school. On the ball offensively and on the ball defensively, he is pretty darn good," he added.

The Bulldogs lost their opening game by a margin of 75-64 on Friday versus Austin Peay. However, they did prevail over Martin Methodist on Monday. They will be the clear-cut underdog in tonight's game against Louisville.

CLICK HERE to watch the Louisville Cardinals vs. Samford Bulldogs via free live stream. Coverage of the NCAA basketball game will begin at 6 p.m. CT.

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NCAA Basketball