University of Louisville
MERCER
Women's Basketball Downs Mercer 99-74
December 28, 2007 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 28, 2007
Louisville, Ky. - Chauntise Wright's merciless play was all too overwhelming as her game-high 22 points and seven rebounds paced Louisville (10-2) past the Mercer (3-9) Bears 99-74 Friday night in Freedom Hall.
The win was the Cardinals' ninth consecutive win, keeping the Cardinals perfect in December. In the nine consecutive victories, the Cardinals are defeating teams by an average of 22.2 points.
Other top performers for the Cardinals were Patrika Barlow with 14 points and five assists, and Candyce Bingham tied her career-high with 20 points. Freshman Laura Terry put in a career-high performance with seven rebounds and added 18 points to the Louisville attack.
Louisville used a combination of man and zone presses to force Mercer into 14 first half turnovers. Many were on the perimeter as the Bear's guards struggled to advance the ball into the post and set up very few offensive sets.
Still the Bears kept the game interesting through the first ten minutes of the half. Louisville's separation began when Patrika Barlow heated up with two successful three-point shots. She then coaxed two layups into the goal after fouls, making both accompanying free-throws, for 12 quick points. From there Louisville propelled to first half leads as much as 19 points and never looked back.
The Cardinal's lead grew to a game-high 30 points in the second half as they used much of the final 20 minutes to develop their bench heading into Big East play. Even with the big lead, "hustle" stats favored the Cardinals as they led the game in rebounds 50-38, and held a 14-7 advantage in steals.
Mercer's LaToya Jackson finished with 19 points, and Sarah Russell added 16. Overall the Bears had five players score in double-figures. Kourtney Carter was one rebound shy of a double-double, adding 13 points and nine rebounds of her own.
Louisville will make a quick return to the court at Freedom Hall as they play host to Middle Tennessee State Sunday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. The contest against the Blue Raiders will be their final tune-up before conference play begins Jan. 5 at Syracuse.
