Nov. 17, 2007

Box Score

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Brooke Johnson scored 17 points and Western Carolina held off a late rally by No. 22 Louisville for a 77-72 win Saturday.

Western Carolina used a 10-0 run early in the second half to take the lead, which grew to 11 points, but Louisville rallied and had two chances to tie it or take the lead in the final two minutes.

The Cardinals (1-1, 0-0 Big East) had a total of four shots on those two possessions, but could not score. They finished a dismal 27-of-70 (38.6 percent) from the floor.

Ashley Pellom had 12 and Chevon Keith 11 for Western Carolina (3-1, 0-0 Southern). Louisville's Angel McCoughtry, an All-American last season and first team Preseason All-American, led all scorers with 19 points.

Western Carolina has an 11-day break before hosting UNC Asheville on November 28 at 7:00 p.m..

HEAD COACH Kellie Harper QUOTES:

 "This win against a ranked opponent is the biggest win of my career here at Western Carolina. Coming back today and getting this win after the loss we had yesterday speaks a lot about our players. They showed their will to win and ability to get back up after a very quick turn around. Our players are tough and I am proud of them."

TALK ABOUT THE PLAY OF HEATER SWAYNE AND Jessika Johnson:

"I thought Heather came in and gave us a huge lift as well as Jessika. It was important for them to have a big game because we need to utilize the depth of our bench with the quick turn around."

PLAY OF Brooke Johnson:

"Brooke can score. She can score from the perimeter and she can score from the post. We just have to make sure we are always looking for her offensively. She is an intelligent player and I am glad she is on our side."