Louisville ekes out quarterfinal win over Virginia Tech 73-70

After the basketballocalypse at the Yum Center Thursday night I’m sure many of us were hoping for an easy game today to lift our spirits. Instead, we’d have to be content with a win. Louisville trailed most of the game until Myisha Hines-Allen gave the Cards the lead with 5:00 left in the 3rd quarter. Virginia Tech kept it close, but Louisville would not trail again.

Asia Durr had a poor shooting night (3-19, 1-9 from three) and Myisha had foul trouble and sat much of the game. When she was on the floor she took over the game and finished with another double-double (21 points/10 rebounds). With the “Big 2” struggling it was up to the rest of the team to keep Louisville in it. Jazmine Jones had (12 points/8 rebounds) and Sam Fuehring added 17 points.

Coach Purcell spoke with Nick Curran after the game and started off by saying, “You’ve gotta love this time of year—March Madness—and boy did we have some madness today.” He added, “It was not Asia Durr’s night and other people stepped up and played big. That’s what being a team is all about.” He also laughed and said, “Jaz is tough. I hope her mom and dad are listening because they are two of the toughest people I know.”

Louisville turns around and plays NC State tomorrow at noon. The game is on ESPNU.