Dec. 28, 2001

Stats

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -Miami University's women's basketball team concluded its non-conference schedule Friday night at the University of Louisville's Freedom Hall, falling to the Cardinals 92-71.

A red-hot Louisville team, which drained three 3-point field goals in the first 3:30 of the first half, charged out of the, racing to a 21-7 advantage by the 15-minute mark. After resolving some issues with the Cardinal full-court pressure, Miami began the long climb back and pulled to within 32-29 with a Melanie Kozlowski (Parma, Ohio/Holy Name) trey at 5:30.

Miami, plagued largely by its own turnovers, slumped to a more than three-minute scoring drought and soon found itself staring down a double-digit deficit at 41-29. The RedHawks responded with an 11-6 run over the final two minutes to close to 47-40 at the half. Kozlowski paced the RedHawks, who hit 9-of-10 free throws, with nine points, while Louisville was paced by Marju Sober's 15 first-half points.

The RedHawks were still trailing by seven with 14:21, but Sober sparked a devastating Louisville rally with eight straight points. The Cardinals, who shot a sizzling 56 percent from the field for the game, led 75-59 by the 7:45 mark and never really looked back. Sober, who transferred to Louisville from Miami after her freshman year finished with 29 points and seven 3-point baskets.

Miami, which fell to 6-5, was led on the night by Kim Lancaster (Cincinnati, Ohio/Princeton) and Heather Cusick (Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo), who each totaled 17 points. The RedHawks shot 50 percent from the field but committed 22 turnovers.

Miami opens Mid-American Conference play at home next Thursday when it hosts the University at Buffalo at 7 p.m.