NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Elif Istanbulluoglu had 18 points and a key steal with 1:42 remaining that led to Reyna Scott’s one-handed jumper as the shot clock expired, Imari Berry added two free throws with 8.2 seconds left and third-seeded Louisville held off No. 6 seed Alabama 69-68 on Monday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Cardinals (29-7) reached their first Sweet 16 since 2023 despite several missed late free throws. Istanbulluoglu made 1 of 2 foul shots and Scott missed both with 2.3 seconds to go to give the Crimson Tide one last chance for a desperation basket.
Advertisement
Diana Collins grabbed the rebound and launched a shot from midcourt that bounced off the backboard, sending Louisville to a matchup Saturday against No. 2 seed Michigan in the Fort Worth 3 regional. The Cardinals will make their 13th overall appearance in the Sweet 16.
Tajianna Roberts also scored 18 points while Laura Ziegler added 12 for Louisville, which won despite making just 8 of 16 from the foul line and 7 of 26 from 3-point range.
Ace Austin had 17 points, including five 3-pointers, off the bench for Alabama before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. The Crimson Tide shot 12 of 26 from behind the arc (46%) after attempting just 10 3s in their first-round victory over Rhode Island.
Collins had 14 points and Karly Weathers 13 including consecutive 3s in the fourth quarter.
Advertisement
Every possession mattered in a game with 18 lead changes and eight ties, and Alabama made its presence felt from long range.
Collins’ long-range shooting helped keep the Tide close in a hard-fought game. She went deep 4 for 5 times before going to the bench early in the fourth with her fourth personal foul and the Cardinals matching their biggest lead at 56-49.
Up next
Louisville faces second-seeded Big Ten member Michigan on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas.
___
AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/istanbulluoglu-scores-18-points-no-190459626.html
Author : GARY B. GRAVES
Publish date : 2026-03-23 19:04:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
