BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Terry Rozier took charge after the first-half ejection of Montrezl Harrell to score a career-high 32 points, including 26 in the second half, to lead fourth-ranked Louisville past Western Kentucky 76-67 on Saturday.

Rozier closed Louisville's scoring with five free throws down the stretch to finish 11 of 13 from the line and made three 3-pointers that quashed the Hilltoppers' hopes of seizing momentum following Harrell's exit with 38.7 seconds remaining in the first half. The preseason first-team All-American was assessed a flagrant-2 foul for throwing an elbow following a shoving match after a loose ball scramble.

Chris Jones added 10 points for Louisville (10-0), which made 5 of 10 from long range in the second half to keep a safe cushion against WKU (5-5). Freshman 7-footer Anas Mahmoud added six points and five rebounds as the Cardinals outrebounded their opponents 37-35.

T.J. Price scored 24 points and D.J. Clayton 14 for the Hilltoppers, who got within 73-67 with 39 seconds left before Rozier added three free throws to seal the game.

On the outside looking in was Harrell, who had 14 points and six rebounds before losing his cool late in the first half.

He became tangled with several Hilltoppers on the floor in a scrum that quickly escalated into a shoving match when Harrell got up off the floor. As referees tried to separate players, Harrell swung an elbow and kept yelling after being restrained.

After the officials reviewed video, Harrell was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected. Western Kentucky's D.J. Clayton received a technical foul, along with technicals issued to both benches.

Rozier helped the Cardinals regain their focus and composure in a game that was at times ragged and chippy.

Louisville shot 50 percent in the second half and finish 42 percent overall. More importantly, the Cardinals seemed to overcome every WKU attempt to rally before a capacity crowd.

Harrell's ejection spoiled a strong first half that began with him scoring Louisville's first seven points and providing a response to back-to-back baskets by WKU's George Fant. He provided nearly half the offense as the Cardinals led 29-24 at the break despite 36-percent shooting and 1 of 12 from long range.

Though the Hilltoppers made three more 3s than the Cardinals, they went cold for nearly five minutes and shot just 27 percent in the first 20 minutes.

TIP-INS

Louisville: The Cardinals evened the series at 39 wins each.

Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers first-half total was their lowest this season. WKU scored 26 points against Bowling Green on Dec. 3.

UP NEXT:

Louisville: Hosts Cal State Northridge on Tuesday.

Western Kentucky: Hosts Brescia (Kentucky) on Saturday.