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Columbus, OH — Asia Durr's career high 47 points led the No. 9 Louisville Cardinals to a HUGE 95-90 victory over the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Countdown to Columbus.
There were a number of WNBA scouts at today's Countdown to Columbus matchup wanting to catch a glimpse of the high level talent on the court. The scouts did not leave disappointed.
In a fast paced matchup, the No. 9 Louisville Cardinals battled the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes in Nationwide Arena, the home of the 2018 Women's Final Four.
This matchup, in particular, was a measuring stick for the Louisville Cardinals. While Ohio State already asserted its dominance knocking down No. 10 Stanford in a blow out, the Cardinals opened the season with a 40 point win against Southeast Missouri, a team that went 13-17 just a season ago.
The first period was a full on battle from beyond the arc. The Cardinals, led by Durr's four triples, won the contest knocking down five three-pointers to Ohio State's four.
The Cardinals were able to jump out to an early 21-13 lead before Asia Doss connected on back-to-back triples to close out the period. Louisville held a slight advantage after the first 10 minutes, leading Ohio State, 21-19.
Ohio State was able to mount a comeback in the second period, but not before trailing by 13 with less than five minutes remaining in the half. However, Durr committed her second foul and was forced to sit the bench for the final five minutes of the half, which was a lucky break for Ohio State.
With Durr out of the equation for Louisville, Ohio State went on a 15-6 run. Ohio State was able to pick up nine quick points with triples from Linnae Harper, Makayla Waterman and Kelsey Mitchell.
The three-pointer for Mitchell marked her first points of the game and came with 33 seconds remaining. Mitchell's triple cut Louisville's lead to one, 41-40.
Despite Ohio State making a comeback, there is no disputing who won the first half of play. Louisville's ability to render Mitchell essentially useless was crucial for the Cardinals.
Louisville controlled every facet of the game, which confused offensively powered Ohio State. The Cardinals outrebounded Ohio State, 20-14. Louisville able to limit the Buckeyes' from attacking the offensive glass.
Ohio State briefly took the lead in the third period after Harper knocked down a triple out of the half.
Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, the five-minute break in action for Durr did not phase her. Durr came out in the third period adding 15 points behind three shots from beyond the arc and a couple of jumpers.
Louisville outscored Ohio State 25 - 18 to take a 66-58 lead into the final 10 minutes of play.
The Buckeyes battled back in a fantastic fourth period. Mitchell, who only had 11 points, was unstoppable adding 15 points alone in the final period.
With the game on the line, Jazmine Jones fouled Mitchell, sending her to the charity stripe to shoot two. Mitchell knocked down the first free throw tying the game at 80. However, she was unable to hit the second.
With four seconds on the clock, Louisville, with the ball in freshman Dana Evans' hands, tried to make a play, but a questionable no-call sent the game into overtime.
The no-call seemed to fire up Louisville. The Cardinals came out strong in over time, outscoring Ohio State 15-10. Again, Durr's efficiency was key for the Cardinals. Defensively, Sam Fuehring was making all the right moves to boost Louisville to the win.
Asia Doss knocked down a last second three-pointer, but it was not enough. The No. 9 Louisville Cardinals faced its first true test on the season, defeating the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes, 95-90.
One thing is clear: Louisville wants to be back in Columbus at Nationwide Arena competing for a national title.
Top Scorers:
Louisville had four players notch double-figures: Asia Durr led all scorers with 47 points on 16-of-29 shooting. Durr connected on 9 three-pointers. Myisha Hines-Allen earned her first double-double on the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Sam Fuehring racked up 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while pulling down 6 boards and dishing out 4 assists. Jazmine Jones rounded out the top scorers adding 10 points and 8 boards.
For the Buckeyes: Kelsey Mitchell paced Ohio with 26 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 7 triples. Mitchell also added 6 board and 8 assists. Linnae Harper notched 21 points, while Asia Doss added 19 points.
Next Up:
The No. 9 Louisville Cardinals return home to face Toledo in the WNIT on Tuesday at 7 PM EST.
The No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes face Idaho at home on Wednesday at 7 PM EST.