Louisville's fans showed up big time despite Friday's first-round game tipping off at noon on a weekday. And the No. 1 seed Cardinals fed off their crowd's energy with a comfortable 74-42 victory over No. 16 seed Boise State in the opening round of the women's NCAA tournament.
Louisville has been to the Women's Final Four twice, but this is the first time the Cardinals have been a No. 1 seed. And for the most part, they didn't show any signs of nerves.
Neither Asia Durr nor Myisha Hines-Allen, Louisville's usual stars, led the way Friday. Instead, the Louisville bench was the spark, producing 33 points and 14 rebounds.
Durr, the ACC Player of the Year, again struggled from the field. She was 4-of-14 for nine points. Since the start of the ACC tournament, which Louisville won, Durr has shot 15-of-53 from the field (28.3 percent).
Player of the game: Sophomore reserve post player Kylee Shook led the bench effort with 14 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 5-of-8 from the field.
How it was won: Louisville had a big edge in defense -- holding the Broncos to 23.7 percent shooting from the field -- and in rebounding (51-30). Boise State had to work hard to get a first look at the basket, and then didn't get many second looks.
Stat of the game: Like Durr, Hines-Allen was off, shooting 2-for-7 from the field. But Shook, Sam Fuehring and Jazmine Jones were a combined 15 of 20.
What's next: Sunday, Louisville will host the winner of No. 8 Marquette vs. No. 9 Dayton in the Lexington Regional second round. Mountain West tournament champ Boise State finishes its season at 23-10.