University of Louisville
HOUSTON
Nero Powers Cards Past Cougars, 90-78
January 17, 2003 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 17, 2003
Louisville, Ky. - Senior Lori Nero scored a career-high double-double with 30 points and 22 rebounds as the Cardinals defeated Houston 90-78 Friday night in Freedom Hall. Houston's Chandi Jones led all scorers with 35 points and 14 rebounds.
Three other Cardinals scored double figures with Sara Nord registering another double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Sophomore Nina Simotes added 14 points and Kim Graham had 12.
Houston jumped out to an early lead at 8-2 in the first four minutes of play. A three-pointer by Simotes at the 13:35 mark tied the score at 12. Then a layup by Graham put the Cards ahead for good.
Louisville finished the first half with a 44-31 lead. The Cards shot 56.3 percent from the field and 80 percent from behind the arc. Nero had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds at the half.
Houston cut the lead to 59-54 with 12:08 remaining. The Cardinals then went on a 12-2 run to go up 73-58 with just over seven minutes remaining. Jones hit back-to-back three-pointers to cut the lead to nine with 5:32 remaining.
But Louisville freshman Connie Neal came back up the court and nailed a three-pointer. A free throw shot by LaShinda Winters cut the lead to six with just over a minute remaining. Louisville hit 6 of 8 from the line to secure the win.
The Cards finished the game shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc. Louisville held Houston to just 33.8 percent from the field and outrebounded the Cougars 47-37.
The Cards will be back in action on Sunday against TCU at 2:00 in Freedom Hall.
