University of Louisville
EA SPORTS ALL-STARS
Women's Basketball Wins First Exhibition Game 80-77
October 31, 2001 | Women's Basketball
Oct. 31, 2001
Louisville, Ky. - University of Louisville women's basketball team defeated Athletes in Action 80-77 tonight in an exhibition game at Freedom Hall. The Cards were in scoring by senior Kara Kessans and junior Tiana Ford with 12 points apiece. Sophomore point guard Sara Nord recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 assists.
"We were able to find out what our weaknesses were tonight," said head coach Martin Clapp. "We did a good job rebounding but we could still do a better job. I also think we could do a better job guarding the ball.
"I did learn that we have a lot more depth this season. We didn't have this inside presence and it gives us a scoring punch that we didn't have last season."
The Cardinals' second half play was a solid effort. They led the contest with a brief 10 point lead with 8:10 remaining after a two-point field goal from senior guard Marju Sober. Athletes in Action then went on and 8-0 run closing the score to 66-64 with 6:49 left to play. Louisville held the lead fighting off an AIA final charge.
The Cards got on the board first with two free throws two from Nord. AIA responded with seven straight points while the Cardinals struggled missing their first eight shots from the field.
After a thirty second timeout and a complete change in the lineup the Cards regrouped and found an offensive rhythm. The Athletes in Action squad held a slight advantage as the Cards slowly scratched their way back into the game, eventually taking the lead at the 8:21 mark after a three-point bucket from the top of the key by Nord.
The lead was exchanged six times in the next minute and a half of play. Senior Janelle Antoine closed the score to 32--34 with 2:00 left in the half when the Louisville defense stole three consecutive inbound passes which the Cards converted into six points for Cardinals.
