Sunday Cardinal Couple -- Slaughter and the Cards return to YUM

SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

- Wrong night for Wright State in 59 point loss

( OUR BASKETBALL COLUMNIST JENNY O'BRYAN REPORTS ON THE RETURN ON NITA AND THE CARDS IMPRESSIVE WIN OVER WRIGHT STATE 99-40 SATURDAY NIGHT )


With the fall of volleyball in the first round of the NCAA tournament, only two women’s sports are currently in action.   Saturday night saw the return of basketball in the KFC YUM Center.   The Cardinals routed the Raiders of Wright State 99-40.

It was our first look at Nita Slaughter since her health incident on Tuesday night, and our first look at the team with Slaughter in sweats on the sideline. 

Slaughter walked out of the tunnel alongside Sherrone Vails, trailing the team, to a standing ovation.   She looked fine, smiling, and giving a wave to the crowd as she followed the team down court to warm up.  Were it not for witnessing the event myself on Tuesday evening I would have never known she, just days before, suffered a potential life threatening event.  It was good to see Nita, if only on the sidelines.  I’ve been unable to get that young woman off my mind.  Her brilliant smile was enough to let me rest easy that she is going to be ok. 

If there were any doubts to how the team would respond, with Nita on the sidelines, the answer was loud and clear.  The Cardinals came out strong, and Wright State never had a chance in this game. 

As expected Tia Gibbs replaced Slaughter in the starting rotation.  Gibbs saw eight minutes of action the whole evening.  I expected her minutes would be limited, as the Cardinals will need her more throughout the season, in Slaughter's absence. 

I’m curious what kind of directive may have been Shoni for this game.   She came out of the locker room on a tear.  She had the hot hand early and dropped two early three pointers on the Raiders.  She appeared to ramp up her defense and rebounding, snagging four early boards. Most impressive though was her speed up and down the court. 

Overall it was a good, strong effort from the Cardinals.  There were too many standouts to mention them all, but I do want to make special note of a few things caught my eye.

Asia Taylor was on a roll.  She was active early.  She had a HUGE block , was rebounding strong, and moving gracefully in the paint. 

Cortnee Walton had a huge night on the boards pulling down 12.  The Cardinals will look to her to continue to provide that kind of work in the paint.   Walton was one point shy of a double-double.  She looked very good and strong around the basket on both ends of the court. 

Shawnta Dyer looks better each time out on the court.  Saturday night was no exception.  With each outing she is moving stronger and faster.  You can see the rust coming off of her shots, and she is beginning to look like the Dyer we all know.  She had a beautiful hook shot late in the game that rimmed out.  She had a great outing and Cardinal fans can look forward to continued growth in her game each night out. 

It is no surprise that the things that caught my eye were the post players.  In the post-game interview Matt Andrews indicated that 60 of the Cardinal points were in the paint.  Also mentioned was working on the high-low game.  That, too, was evidenced by some very nice feeds/assists. 

Overall it was a fun game and the Cardinals looked good.  They next hit the hardwood one week from tonight, Saturday, December 14 against Austin Peay at 7:00 p.m.  The drink specials continue on Saturdays, with $2 beer and sodas. 

If you have not done so yet, get out and see your Cards on the court.  The next ranked opponent for the team is just two weeks away against Colorado.  It will be a tough game.  We look forward to seeing you at the YUM on Saturday, Dec. 14.  

FINAL STATS

PLAYERS AND COACH WALZ QUOTES


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THE LATEST EDITION OF CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR IS NOW POSTED ON THE SOUNDCLOUD. JENNY AND PAULIE TALK A LOT OF WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, WE HEAR WALZ'S ANNOUNCEMENT ON NITA, KENNY CALLS IN TO THE SHOW, JENNY TAKES THE QUIZ AND DON PAULIE DOES HIS VERSION OF ONE OF HIS FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS.

RADIO THAT OUGHT TO BE BANNED....FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW.

PEARL HARBOR HAS NOTHING ON US...WE BOMB EVERY WEEK!! CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO 12-07-13


jenny obryan