No. 15 DePaul simplified the top of the conference standings and snapped Louisville's 17-game winning streak at Freedom Hall Saturday.

The Cardinals made it tough on DePaul, holding the nation's highest scoring team to just 12-of-41 from the field in the first half. But the Blue Demons caught fire in the second half, shooting 16-for-24, and pulled away with a 70-60 victory.

Forward Khara Smith led DePaul with 18 points and 15 rebounds, and guards Jenna Rubino and Allie Quigley each added 16.

Louisville forward Jazz Covington continued her excellent play in recent weeks with 26 points and 10 rebounds. She made two free throws that cut the lead to 50-47 with 9:09 left in the game before DePaul restored its control with a 10-3 run.

DePaul plays Houston and Texas Christian at home next weekend in games that will likely decide the outcome of its season. The Blue Demons remain in a three-way tie for first with Charlotte and TCU.

Like a broken record

Another record-breaking performance from TCU's Sandora Irvin Saturday overshadowed an unconvincing 74-64 home victory against Memphis.

A hint of complacency could have been expected after the previous week's triumph at Houston, and TCU trailed by four with 7:05 left in the first half, but a 9-0 run by the Lady Frogs restored order.

Irvin's third block (of eight total) in the game broke the NCAA Division I career record for blocks.

Despite Irvin's customary production — 25 points, 11 rebounds — the Lady Frogs saw their 16-point cushion dwindle to just seven during the second half.

Goodbye, Jones

Houston retired Chandi Jones' jersey (No. 13) Saturday night and cruised to a 92-47 victory over Saint Louis. Forward Sancho Lyttle's 24 points and 10 rebounds marked her 16th double-double of the season.

Jones was a three-time C-USA Player of the Year and led Houston to the conference championship in 2003-04. She is the first Lady Cougar to have her number retired.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on Feb. 8 2005.