UConn needs Moore to beat LSU

Posted February 25, 2008 10:00 pm

Associated Press

Maya Moore scored 18 of her 29 points in the second half to lift top-ranked Connecticut to a 74-69 victory over No. 6 LSU in Baton Rouge, La., on Monday night, snapping the Lady Tigers' 14-game winning streak.

Tina Charles added 18, converting several clutch baskets inside over 6-foot-6 LSU center Sylvia Fowles.

Charles' last basket gave UConn (27-1) a 72-66 lead with a little over a minute to go.

Quianna Chaney hit her sixth 3-pointer of the game shortly after to pull LSU to 72-69. LSU (23-4) forced the Huskies into a shot-clock violation, gaining a chance to tie the game on their next possession. Chaney, who finished with 22 points, rushed her next attempt and LSU was forced to foul with six seconds left.

Moore made them pay, hitting 2 free throws to put the game away.

Fowles finished with 26 to lead LSU.

N. Carolina 85, NC State 79: Erlana Larkins scored 18 points, and No. 2 North Carolina clinched a share of the Atlantic Coast Conference title by beating visiting North Carolina State. Jessica Breland and Rashanda McCants each added 16 points for the Tar Heels (26-2, 13-0).

Shayla Fields scored a career-high 26 points for the Wolfpack (17-10, 5-7).

Marquette 85, Villanova 75: Dominic James scored 25 points, and Lazar Hayward added 15 points and 9 rebounds to lead No. 21 Marquette (21-6, 11-5 Big East) past host Villanova, the Golden Eagles' fourth straight win. Scottie Reynolds led Villanova (17-10, 7-8) with 14 points.