A Rockdale player is closer to returning to Atlanta as Louisville defeated Oregon to advance to the Elite 8 of the 2013 NCAA Tournament Friday.

Former Rockdale basketball standout Kevin Ware came off the bench to score 11 points, as one of three in double figures for the overall No. 1 seed, Louisville.

Ware scored nine of his points in the first half to help the Cardinals take a 45-31 lead in the first 20 minutes of the Sweet 16 matchup in Indianapolis.

It's the fourth time in six years and second straight year, Louisville is one of the final eight teams in the NCAA Tournament. Louisville will face the winner of No. 2 seed Duke and No. 3 seed Michigan State Monday.

That win is all that stands between Louisville and a trip to the Final Four held at the Georgia Dome starting April 6.