Turnovers had to be expected in the Elite Eight matchup between Louisville and Maryland, but part of what helped the Terrapins survive their 15 first half turnovers to win the game was the shooting of senior Katie Rutan, who had 12 points on four first half threes.
John Langley of SB Nation's Testudo Times made mention of Rutan's significance in his recap of the game.
Rutan would prove to be the hot hand in the first four minutes with two three-points baskets to pace the way for an early 9-4 lead, but the Cards responded with a big three of their own closing the gap to two...The Cards came out of the (under-4) timeout with a long two to take the lead again but Alyssa Thomas would not be denied and hit her runner to retake the lead. A pair of free throws gave the Cards another lead but Rutan couldn't miss and hit yet another three for a 30-28 lead...The usual duo of Alyssa Thomas and Lexi Brown stepped up when needed in this game, but the play of Katie Rutan and her four threes in the first half helped keep the Terps in it so they could make a run to take their five point lead with just under 12 minutes remaining.
Rutan was quiet in the second half, but made a few key defensive plays and was responsible for just one of Maryland's 25 total turnovers.
For a full recap of the game's action, check out SB Nation's Testudo Times. For more on Maryland's path through the region, check out our Louisville region storystream.