The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Louisville
Women's Basketball Victorious Over Louisville, 75-62
1/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 24, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB women's basketball team (7-10, 3-1) outscored Louisville (11-6, 2-2) 25-8 in the final 9:05 of the game en route to a 75-62 victory Friday night in Bartow Arena.
At one point during the run, the Lady Blazers' defense held Louisville scoreless for 5:43. Allison Graham hit a three-pointer to put the Lady Blazers within one, 54-53, starting UAB's impressive run.
UAB junior Natasha Thomas led all scorers with 24 points, 17 in the final 20 minutes of play, and had 11 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the season. Michelle Smith had 12 points and 13 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the year. Chantell Thomas contributed 13 points and six boards.
"First off, we beat them soundly on the boards," said UAB head coach Jeannie Milling. "They had eight offensive rebounds and we had 16. We were very physical on the boards most of the time. Natasha Thomas and Michelle Smith did a great job tonight. The coaching staff told Chantell Thomas that she had to do a better job rebounding and she contributed six rebounds to the team's effort."
UAB outrebounded the Cardinals, 43-35, for the game and 28-19 in the second half. The Lady Blazers had 16 offensive boards, while Louisville had eight. On the defensive glass, the two teams each had 27 in the game.
"The big production from our guards is what really has helped our team," said Milling. "Our guards have been aggressive, shooting, and scoring making an impact in the game. Before the game we told the team that they had to rebound and shoot the ball well in order to win this game. The players did a good job of handling Louisville's pressure defense and taking good care of the basketball."
The Lady Blazers hit a season-high eight three-pointers, connecting on 8-of-20 from beyond the arc. Chantell Thomas was 3-of-7 from three-point land, while Graham hit 2-of-4 attempts. UAB's seven turnovers in the game were a season-low.
UAB will be back in action on Sunday, January 26, in Bartow Arena as it battles Cincinnati at 2:00 p.m.
