LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Emily Engstler scored 19 points to lead No. 5 Louisville to a 75-62 victory over Florida State on Thursday night.
The Cardinals used a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter to break a 19-all tie. While the Seminoles cut the Louisville lead to 40-38 midway through the third quarter, Florida State never led in the second half.
Louisville (17-2, 7-1 ACC) prevailed despite the Seminoles (9-9, 3-5) getting a season-high 28 points from All-American senior Morgan Jones.
Engstler added 12 rebounds, with Olivia Cochran contributing 17 points for Louisville.
Senior guard Mykasa Robinson, better known for her defense, matched her season high with nine points. The ACC All-Defensive team member also posted four steals.
Florida State outshot Louisville 46.3% to 41.3%, but the Cardinals forced the Seminoles into 17 turnovers while just committing eight themselves. That led to an 18-4 margin in points off turnovers.
Jones, who was hurt in the waning seconds of the game, shot 11 of 18. Sammie Puisis added 10 points for Florida State.
BIG PICTURE
Florida State: The Seminoles came into Louisville seeking a signature victory that would put them on the radar for an NCAA Tournament bid. While they hung with the Cardinals for most of the game, they could not compete with the host’s depth.
Louisville: Give the Cardinals’ bench the credit for the victory on Thursday. On a night when Louisville’s three starting guards shot just 6 for 26, Robinson, Liz Dixon (seven points and a career-high four blocks) and Ahlana Smith (six points) made the difference.
UP NEXT
Florida State plays Virginia at home on Sunday.
Louisville hosts Duke on Sunday afternoon.
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