In a game where the Louisville Cardinals battled through adversity and fought until the end, it was the Connecticut Huskies who came up with the win.
The loss marks the end of an era. The Cardinals say goodbye to the winningest class in program history. Asia Durr, Sam Fuehring and Arica Carter will exit the Louisville program with three Sweet Sixteen appearances, two Elite Eights and one Final Four, to match a 123 – 23 record.
The Cardinals were able to take a lead in the first frame behind a 9 – 0 run before UConn stormed back, scoring 10 unanswered points to take a 22 – 16 lead. The Huskies would not trail again.
Louisville was unable to stop UConn from 3-point range. UConn senior Katie Lou Samuelson knocked down 7 triples and Megan Walker added 4. Overall, the Huskies shot 54% on 14-of-26 from beyond the arc.
UConn was able to take a 10 point lead late in the second frame, before a 3-pointer by Arica Carter cut the lead to 7 at the end of the first half. At halftime, the Huskies held a 41 – 34 advantage.
With Asia Durr struggling to get her shots to fall, Louisville senior Sam Fuehring took control. Fuehring led the Cardinals with 9 points in the first half.
Every time the Cardinals would come within striking distance, the Huskies would knock down a triple or go on a small run. Louisville was able to battle back from 10 down at the end of the third quarter, 57 – 53.
After a seemingly quiet first half, Durr came alive in the second. The senior scored 18 of her 21 points in the second half.
But, it was not enough to lift Louisville to the victory.
The Cardinals would cut the game to 2-points, 75 – 73, with 28 seconds remaining in the game. However, the celebration was short lived as UConn finished the final 30 seconds strong.
Louisville exited the tournament in an 80 – 73 decision.
For the final time, the Louisville Cardinals were led by the second leading scorer in Louisville program history, the future Hall of Famer, Asia Durr. Durr tallied 21 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. For the final time, sharp shooting senior Sam Fuehring backed up Durr, racking up 15 points – on 6 – of – 13 shooting, and 7 rebounds. Junior Jazmine Jones added 10 points and 6 assists.
An incredible run and historic season finds its end in Albany, New York.
And a new chapter in Louisville women’s basketball will begin next season.
Thank you for allowing us to ride along on this fantastic journey, Asia, Sam & AC.
