Shamika Ingram had 17 points, Shanta Bowens and Kara Kessans had 15 each to lead Louisville past Illinois State 87-59 Saturday at Freedom Hall.
The game started 30 minutes late and the Cards waited until the second half to start an incredible shooting streak of 14 for 19 from the field. Meanwhile, the Birds were 0-15 during a 10 minute dry spell in the second half. U of Ls 27-13 turnover edge overcame ISUs 41-40 rebounding advantage.
The Redbirds and Cardinals followed a mens exhibition game between Louisville and Global Sports, which went two overtimes before Global shocked the U of L mens team 87-86. But the Cardinal women evened the day for Louisville.
Freshman
Taren O'Brien led the Birds with 10 points, the fifth time in six games ISUs leading scorer was a freshman. ISU, 1-5, lost its fourth straight since its last home game. Louisville, 1-5, finally found a victory after five close losses to tough teams.
Jaci McCormack Jaci McCormack gave ISU its first lead 14-13 on a baseline jumper with 13:20 left. ISU hit 6 of its first 8 shots to lead 16-15, but Ingram made three baskets during a 17-0 Louisville run as ISU went scoreless for 6:40 against a Louisville zone defense. The Cards led 32-16 before ISU got back on track.
OBriens three-pointer with 5:26 left before halftime began a 10-0 Redbird run that took just 1:42, trimming the Cardinal edge to 32-26. But Nord hit a three-pointer and two free throws to help U of L stretch the lead back to 42-32 at halftime.
ISU closed to 46-40 on
Shandeen Hunt's three-pointer with 17:18 left, and was in the game. Redbird coach
Jenny Yopp was pleased with how her team played the first 23 minutes.
We scored well in transition, attacked them well and scored on ball reversal, said Yopp.
U of L went on a 29-3 run fueled by Ingrams four baskets and three-pointers by Kessans and Marju Sober. The Cards led 75-43 with 10:35 remaining.
Louisville brought their A game today, said Yopp. When they started to get some transition baskets and go to the free throw line, then our offense became stagnent and they made a run.
ISUs dry spell typified the teams struggle to gain consistency, according to Yopp.
Consistency is a challenge were facing right now, said Yopp. While thats common for a young team, we have to get through those dry spells. We have desire and drive to win, but we need the mental toughness to stay close and get in position to win.
And Louisvilles zone caused ISUs offensive problems.
We just dont have the savvy to attack a zone, said Yopp. Louisville is a traditionally tough team and always a difficult road opponent. Our pre-season schedule is preparing our first-time college players immediately. If I was scheduling just to give us confidence, I wouldnt be preparing our team for the Missouri Valley.
Yopp had four freshmen on the floor for most of the last 10 minutes. The Birds host No. 23 Illinois Thursday at Redbird Arena.
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