Staff Reports

LOUISVILLE – Alabama freshman guard and Spring Garden native Ace Austin netted 17 points off the bench, including five 3-pointers, but the Crimson Tide fell 69-68 at Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Monday.

Austin shot 6-of-10 from the floor and was 5-of-8 on 3-pointers before fouling out with 8.4 seconds remaining. She also had a rebound, an assist, and a block. Austin scored 12 of her points in the first half.

Diana Collins contributed 14 points for Alabama. Karly Weathers came away with 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Essence Cody, Tamia Scott, and Jessica Timmons each finished with eight points.

Elif Istanbulluoglu and Tajianna Roberts led Louisville with 18 points apiece. Istanbulluoglu also grabbed 11 rebounds and had three assists. Roberts had four assists. Laura Ziegler tossed in 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Mackenly Randolph finished with nine points and 13 boards.

Alabama led 35-34 at halftime. Louisville outscored the Crimson Tide in the second half 35-33 for the final.

Alabama finishes the season at 24-10. Louisville (28-7) advances to face Michigan on Saturday in the regional semifinals.