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The No. 15 University of Louisville women’s basketball team defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Sunday night 53-50. Angel McCoughtry paced the Cards with 20 points and 16 rebounds while also recording six steals.

Louisville fell behind by as much as 16 before a big push in the second half helped pull off the victory late in the game. Jazz Covington was also strong in the Card’s win, scoring 13 points and grabbing six rebounds while getting a big “thank you” from McCoughtry for keeping the team in the game at the post game press conference. Essence Carson led the Scarlet Knights with 14 points and Kia Vaughn added 14 rebounds but it was not enough to hold off Louisville’s rally.

“This is a big win for us for a lot of reasons,” said U of L head coach Tom Collen. “When we were down 16 I thought we were ready to pack it in. They just stepped up and made big shots.”

The Cards had a hard time knocking down shots, shooting a lowly 35.8% from the field for the game. Free throws weren’t any easier for Louisville, as they went just 7-21 from the line.

U of L led 22-19 late in the first half, but then saw Rutgers go on a 19-0 run. Patrika Barlow finally ended the Cards drought, hitting a three halfway through the first half to cut the Scarlet Knights advantage to 38-25.

“I was thinking one play at a time [during the rally],” said Covington. “And keeping my teammates heads in the game.”

Louisville would go on to score eight more unanswered before Matee Ajavon hit a short jumper to end the Cards rally. McCoughtry ran right back down the court and nailed a three, leaving the Rutgers up 40-36 with 7:46 to play.

Just when it looked as if the Scarlet Knights were going to pull away once again, Covington and Brandie Radde hit back-to-back threes while Chauntise Wright added a free throw and Covington hit a lay-up bringing Louisville to just a two point deficit, 47-45.

McCoughtry tied the score with a pair of free throws, and then gave the Cards their first lead in the second half with another three pointer to put Louisville up 50-47 with 2:23 remaining. Rutgers tied the score moments later, but Covington added another lay-up to put the Cards back up by two.

Rutgers were unable to score and were forced to foul Toni Slaughter but she was unable to hit either of her free throws. Louisville managed to get back the ball and iced the game with a McCoughtry free throw.

“This game was a great game to get us back up after losing,” said McCoughtry. “Rutgers is a great team.”

Louisville fans were entertained throughout the night by ten year old Tae-Kwon Doe sensation Nathan the Mongoose. He excited the fans by breaking wood blindfolded, jumping in the air, and punching. You can check him out on your own at nathanthemongoose.com.

Next up for Louisville is Big East foe Pittsburgh Panthers at Freedom Hall on Wednesday night. Tip off is at 7pm.