ASSOCIATED PRESS
Louisville guard Peyton Siva (3) shoots against a Michigan defense during the first half of the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball championship game Monday, April 8, 2013, in Atlanta.
Thursday, April 11, 2013 | 8:53 a.m.
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has congratulated coach Rick Pitino (pih-TEE'-noh) and the University of Louisville men's basketball team on winning this year's NCAA championship.
The White House says Obama also congratulated Pitino on his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
During a telephone call on Wednesday, the White House says Obama told the coach that Monday night's game was exciting to watch and that he's built an impressive team. Louisville defeated Michigan 82-76 to win the tournament.
Obama said he and first lady Michelle Obama also were proud of the way guard Kevin Ware handled his broken leg during the team's Midwest Regional final victory over Duke.
The president, who is an ardent basketball fan, said he looks forward to congratulating the team in person at the White House.
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