Kevin Ware returns, Louisville rips Cornell

Louisville’s Kevin Ware attempts to knock the ball away from Cornell’s JoJo Fallas in the second half of their game in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, November 15, 2013. AP

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kevin Ware scored quickly in his return for No. 3 Louisville and the defending NCAA champion Cardinals posted their school-record 19th straight win, beating Cornell 99-54 Friday night.

Ware shattered his leg during last season’s Midwest Regional final. He played in an exhibition this season, then sat out the first two games for the Cardinals (3-0).

Ware had five points and two rebounds in 13 minutes. He scored just 16 seconds after checking in with 14:05 left in the first half, splitting defenders on a drive to cap a 20-point run that put Louisville ahead 22-2.

Wayne Blackshear led the Cardinals (3-0) with 20 points, hitting 4 of 5 3-pointers. Chane Behanan added 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Nolan Cressler scored 10 points for Cornell (0-4).