University of Louisville
PROVIDENCE
Women's Basketball Downs Providence 67-48
January 09, 2010 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 9, 2010
Box Score | Quotes | Photo Gallery 
Louisville, Ky. - The University of Louisville women's basketball team defeated Providence 67-48 on Saturday afternoon in Freedom Hall to improve to 10-6 overall and 2-1 in the BIG EAST. The Cardinals had four players score in double figures led by Becky Burke with 18 points. Keshia Hines finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. While Nikki Burton scored a career-high 13 points and Monique Reid added 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Providence was led by Chelsea Marandola, who scored a game-high 21 points and was the only player for the Friars to score in double figures. The Friars fell to10-5 overall and 1-1 in league play.
The Cardinals jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead in the opening minute of the game with a 3-pointer and layup from Burke. The Friars cut the lead to one off a pair of free throws, but Louisville used a 17-0 run to extend the lead to 22-4 at the 12:11 mark off a free throw from Shelby Harper.
Louisville held Providence scoreless for 6:32 during the first half before Lola Wells scored off two free throws with 11:59 remaining in the half. The Cardinals allowed the Friars to get back into the game with a 14-2 run, cutting the lead down to six with at the 5:29 mark. After building the lead back up to 10 points, the Cardinals gave up three consecutive 3-pointers, with two back-to-back 3-pointers from Marandola, to cut the lead to three with 0:43 left in the half. The Cardinals took a 32-27 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Louisville shot 50.0 percent from the field in the first half, while Providence shot 38.1 percent. The Cardinals held an 18-10 rebounding advantage over the Friars at the break.
Two quick 3-pointers to start the second half got Providence as close as they had been since the 18:31 mark in the first half, cutting the lead to one at 34-33. Louisville responded with a quick 3-pointer from Burke.
Through most of the second half, both teams battled back and forth, trading baskets on both ends of the court. Down the stretch, the Cardinals were able to wear down the Friars, extending its lead to the largest of the game at 19 to end the game.
Louisville finished the game shooting 50.0 percent, while Providence shot 33.3 percent. The Cardinals outrebounded the Friars 43-23. Providence's 48 points was the lowest total allowed by Louisville this season and the second time the Cardinals have held an opponent to under 50 points this season.
The Cardinals will be back in action as they travel to Georgetown on Jan. 16 at 2:00 p.m. The game will be televised on the BIG EAST Network.
