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No. 7 Louisville Holds Off USF

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By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: January 15, 2009

TAMPA - Two years ago when Louisville brought a nationally ranked one-loss team to Tampa, the Cardinals left town with an upset loss to the University of South Florida.

Wednesday, the No. 7-ranked Cardinals survived their trip to the Sun Dome, defeating the Bulls 76-60.

"I was proud of the guys in the second half, they kept battling back," USF coach Jose Fernandez said.

USF guard Shantia Grace had 15 points. Forward Jessica Lawson, despite suffering a dislocated finger during the game, added 14 points and a career-high 16 rebounds.

USF (14-4, 1-3 Big East) fell to 0-16 all-time against top 10-ranked teams. Three of USF's four losses this season were to No. 1 (UConn), No. 3 (Cal) and No. 7 (Louisville).

"This proves we can play with anybody," Grace said.

With 15 minutes left, Louisville led 48-30 before the Bulls closed within 56-50 with 6:28 left.

Even though Louisville's leading scorer Angel McCoughtry (17 points, 12 rebounds, five assists) fouled out with 5:09 remaining, the Cardinals (17-1, 4-0) hung on for their 12th straight victory.

One bright spot: USF outrebounded Louisville 53-46; with Porche Grant adding 11 rebounds.

"Lawson wore us out," Louisville coach Jeff Walz said. "That was a good old-fashioned butt kicking in the paint."

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