The Virginia Tech Hokies rallied back from a 20-point deficit to put the Louisville Cardinals on upset alert. But, a pair of seniors fought to keep Louisville ahead. Asia Durr and Sam Fuehring scored all 21 of Louisville’s fourth quarter points. The Cardinals survived a motived Hokies team, 72 – 63.
Louisville and Virginia Tech traded punches during the first frame before Louisville took control in the second quarter. The Cardinals started out hot on a 10 – 2 run before extending its lead to 13. The Hokies fought back, but Louisville ended the first half up 15, 40 – 25.
The Cardinals shot 50% in the first half, connecting on 16 – of – 32 from the field. Louisville knocked down 4 – of – 7 from long distance.
Despite Louisville’s dominance, Virginia Tech controlled the glass, pulling down 22 rebounds to Louisville’s 16 rebounds.
The Louisville Cardinals had a 20-point lead with 6:50 remaining in the third frame. It seemed like smooth sailing for the Cardinals. Durr was 5 – of – 5 from 3-point range with 23 points.
But, Virginia Tech stormed back on a 13 – 2 run to close out the quarter, holding Louisville scoreless for more than 5:00. A 3-pointer by Kendyl Brooks cut the deficit to single digits, 51 – 42 into the final 10 minutes.
Virginia Tech cut Louisville’s lead to 3-points with 40-seconds remaining behind a triple from Brooks and a bucket from Regan Magarity. The Hokies were able to convert 4 Louisville turnovers into 8-points in the final frame.
But, the Cardinals sealed the deal behind free throws from both Asia Durr and Sam Fuehring.
Top Scorers:
Two players notched double-figures for the Cardinals: Asia Durr paced all players with 34 points on 11 – 21 shooting, including 5 3-pointers. She added 6 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal. Sam Fuehring notched a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
For the Hokies, two players picked up double-digits: Dara Mabrey picked up 17-points, while Regan Magarity added 14-points and 8 rebounds.
Next Up:
The Cardinals have a week break before returning home to face Miami on Sunday, February 17th at 3PM. Louisville will host its annual Play4Kay Pink Out at this matchup.
