Maestro Moore, No. 5 Cardinals decimate MTSU

Murfreesboro, TN. — Myisha Hines-Allen hit 1,000 career points as the No. 5 ranked Louisville Cardinals soared past the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.

Louisville was hot out of the gate, beginning the game on an 11-2 run. Ciera Johnson grabbed the first points for the Cardinals as she drove to the bucket for two. Louisville followed up with a layup from Hines-Allen as she became the 26th Cardinal to notch 1,000 points.

But it was Mariya Moore who dominated the first period. Moore tallied 8-points as the Cardinals soared to a 22-9 lead.

Louisville connected on 8-of-12 from the field in the first, while allowing Middle Tennessee only hit 4-of-15.

Despite a dominant first period, the Cardinals came out cold in the second period. Louisville struck first as Moore drove for a layup. However, the Cardinals froze as the Blue Raiders held Louisville scoreless for nearly six minutes. Middle Tennessee capitalized on Louisville’s offensive struggle going on a 6-0 run. The Blue Raiders cut the score to five.

In the blink of an eye, the Cardinals surged back closing the half on a 15-3 run. Louisville sailed ahead at the half, 41-24.

Middle Tennessee grabbed the first bucket of the third period as Alex Johnson connected on a jumper. But Louisville’s C. Johnson countered with a jumper of her own. Hines-Allen added two to give the Cardinals a solid 19-point lead.

The Blue Raiders fought back in the third period adding 25-points, but Middle Tennessee was unable to come within striking distance.

Ty Petty racked up 8-points for the Blue Raiders, while A. Johnson added 7-points. Still, the Cardinals held a 21-point lead heading into the final period.

Louisville’s lack of defense in the final period allowed Middle Tennessee to score nine unanswered points in less than two minutes as the Blue Raiders cut the lead to 13.

But, the Blue Raiders’ final push was not enough to overtake the Cardinals. Middle Tennessee fell to its second ACC opponent of the season, 91-72.

High Scorers

The Cardinals had three players notch double-digits: Mariya Moore paced Louisville racking up a season-high 27-points. Moore connected on 9-of-14 from the field, including two treys.

Moore also picked six boards and six assists in 36-minutes. Asia Durr tallied 22-points in the victory. Durr hit a team-best four three-pointers. Myisha Hines-Allen rounded out the top scorers adding 17- points. Hines-Allen showed off a new facet of her game as she connected on 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.

The Blue Raiders had two players hit double-figures: Ty Petty led Middle Tennessee grabbing 27-points. Petty connected on five treys and dished out 11 assists. Alex Johnson added 13-points on 6-of-14 shooting.

Next Up

The Cardinals return home to face Bowling Green on Saturday in the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic.