Cold starts doom Lady Cards in Morgantown 72-66

No wins for the Ville today!


And, no baskets in the first eight minutes of each half tonite for the University of Louisville women's basketball team. Still, Louisville (11-10, 3-5) able to rally by the end of first half to lead by four at 37-33. And able to climb back within four late in the second half. But in this game of runs, it was West Virginia's final one that did the Cards in.

Another season high for Monique Reid with 29 points tonight. Excelling at the dribble drive to the paint for the bank shot or layup. The sophomore, along with fellow sophomore Becky Burke, putting the Cards on their backs to overcome the frigid starts by Louisville tonight.

Burke added 17 points to the Cardinal effort. Ashley Rainey with eight points and nine boards. Seven surprising rebounds for 5'4" Shelby Harper.

West Virginia (20-2, 7-1) was led by Sarah Miles and Vanessa House with 17 points. Liz Repella added 15. The #11th ranked Monutaineers capatalizing on costly Louisville turnovers and lapses in defensive switches.

Jeff Walz getting a rare technical to start the second half and a bizarre gaffe by the officials, allowing the techincal free throw to be shot while the cheerleaders and gun-toting Mountaineer mascot were still on the floor. Professionalism at its finest by the striped shirts. Seems to be a problem up there in Morgantown.

The Cards are improving...given the nature of what they have left to work with. Jeff Walz possibly doing the best coaching job of his career when you consider the thin ranks. Louisville out-rebounding the Eers but losing the points off turnovers battle 15-4.

Cincinnati comes to town Tuesday. A team the Cards beat earlier this year up there and a rematch that Louisville needs to win if the Cards want to stay in contention for a first round bye in the Big East tournament.

All in all, a disappointing day for Cardinal basketball in West Virginia. And a day where Cardinal comebacks fell short of the mark.

Written by Paul
1/30/10