Bria Smith, Louisville run past Providence

Updated: Jan 18, 2012, 11:44 pm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Freshman Bria Smith scored 12 points and the Louisville Cardinals (No. 15 ESPN/USA Today, No. 18 AP) defeated Providence 64-48 Wednesday night.

Becky Burke went 3 of 3 from behind the arc to add 11 points and Antonita Slaughter had 10 points. Asia Taylor had eight points and 10 rebounds in 14 minutes for Louisville (15-4, 4-2 Big East).

Alicia Cropper was the only Providence player to reach double figures, pacing the Friars (10-9, 2-4) with 14 points. Leading scorer Teya Wright managed just three points, 10 below her season average.

After trailing 26-19 at the half, Providence cut the lead to five at 30-25 on Wright's free throw with 16:53 to play, but couldn't get any closer.

Coming off an overtime loss Saturday at Rutgers, the Cardinals remained unbeaten in eight games at home this season. Louisville travels to Georgetown (No. 17 ESPN/USA Today, No. 19 AP) on Sunday.