LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Seminoles.com) — Florida State Women’s Basketball senior Morgan Jones had a huge game with 28 points, but FSU was unable to get past No. 5 Louisville on Thursday night, falling 75-62 at the KFC Yum! Center.
Jones’ 28 points were the most scored against the Cardinals (17-2, 7-1) since Notre Dame standout Arike Ogunbowale dropped 30 vs. Louisville on Jan. 10, 2019.
For Jones, it is her fourth 20-point game of the season and her second-highest total of her career. Last season vs. Clemson she scored a career-best 36 points in a double overtime win.
“I thought Morgan was phenomenal tonight, and Sammie (Pusis) played well also,” FSU Head Coach Sue Semrau said. “We just didn’t get enough all around, but we came into a hostile environment and played a team allowing 51 points a game, and exceeded those numbers. There is a lot to build on.”
Emily Engstler was tough to stop for Louisville, scoring 19 points. FSU junior Sammie Puisis added 10 for the Seminoles (9-9, 3-5). FSU shot well at 45.5 percent and tied the Cardinals on the boards at 35-35. Louisville’s bench had a big edge in Thursday’s contest at 22-6.
Florida State used its 11th different starting lineup of the season, with O’Mariah Gordon, Puisis, Jones, Erin Howard and River Baldwin taking the court. FSU had control of most of the first quarter until the Cardinals went on a late 9-0 run to take a 13-10 advantage. FSU held strong on the boards, out-rebounding Louisville 11-10 to start the game.
Louisville took charge in the second quarter, going on a 12-1 run at one point and taking a 36-25 halftime lead. Jones led FSU with 15 points and five boards at the intermission, while Louisville had more balanced scoring with Engstler having eight, and Liz Dixon and Hailey Van Van Lith with seven apiece.
FSU came out hot to start the third quarter and out-scored Louisville 23-21 in the frame. Jones continued to fire away from the field with 23 points through three quarters. UofL’s Olivia Cochran made a big 3-point field goal to stop FSU’s early momentum in the quarter, helping Louisville to a 50-43 lead midway through.
Louisville took advantage in the fourth, making big shots down the stretch to salt the game away.
FSU is now 7-4 vs. Louisville since the Cardinals joined the ACC. The Seminoles, despite the loss, are now 7-5 vs. their last 12 AP Top 25 opponents.
The Seminoles resume play on Sunday when they host Virginia at Noon on Bally Sports Florida. The contest will be Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day.
