University of Louisville
GEORGETOWN
Women's Basketball Hands Georgetown a 65-51 Defeat
February 17, 2008 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 17, 2008
Louisville, Ky. - Pink had never looked so fierce as the Louisville women's basketball team's engulfing trap defense paved the way to a 65-51 victory over visiting Georgetown. The Cardinal (18-7, 7-5 BIG EAST) players and staff wore pink shoelaces, socks, and even pants as part of the WBCA's "Think Pink" campaign in Freedom Hall against the Hoyas (13-11, 3-8 BIG EAST).
Candyce Bingham put forth a well-balanced performance totaling a game-high 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Angel McCoughtry joined her in double-figures with 12 points, and Brandie Radde added 10 points for the Cardinals.
Louisville's defense was flawless in the opening four minutes. During that stretch, Courtney Simmons had a sky-high jumping steal at half court, followed by a Bingham block that sent the Cardinal attack running to a 10-5 lead. The Cardinals never trailed in the game, although the Hoyas never let the game get out of reach.
With an off shooting night by McCoughtry, Louisville survived on strong drives to the basket from Bingham and Chauntise Wright. Three times they were fouled on a made shot and used the accompanying free throws to stay in the lead.
At the break Louisville led 34-28, one point shy of their largest lead of seven in the half. They also hustled to a 21-14 advantage in rebounds, and controlled scoring in the paint 16-8.
Radde opened the second half with her second three-point goal and Bingham made the team's fourth shot on a foul to push the Cardinals to their largest lead of 16. With the game seemingly put away, the Hoyas showed their resilience and fought back within seven points in the final eight minutes.
Back door cuts and uncontested drives to the basket by Georgetown hurt the Louisville defense. When Louisville finally put an end to the surge in the final five minutes they regained their commanding lead and never looked back.
Louisville shot 38 percent (19-of-49) from the field and while Georgetown shot 35 percent from the field. The Cardinals dominated on the boards 47-26, and had a consistent string of seven blocks while allowing the Hoyas only two.
Louisville will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Seton Hall. The game is scheduled to tip off at 2:00 p.m.
