Monday Cardinal Couple -- Cardinals win in South Florida

MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

- Shoni shines in win over Bulls

Louisville's womens' basketball team overcame a slow start and poor shooting to win it’s 9^th straight game, beating South Florida at home, 62-54.   Shoni Schimmel led all scorers with 25, and was one of three Cardinals to end the game in double figures. 

Sophomore guard Courtney Williams gave Louisville all they could handle in the first half scoring 15 of her 19 points.  Louisville led at the half 33-27.  The Cardinals must have made some halftime adjustments as they held her to just 4 points in the second half.  The defensive effort of the Cardinals also made for a rough outing for Inga Orekhova holding her to just 1 point, and shooing 0-6. 

The Cardinals were up by as many as 17 points late in the second half, before the Bulls cut it to just two.  The Cardinals went on an 11-1 run, led by Hammond, that eventually put the Bulls away. 

The Cardinals strength in the game today was scoring off USF turnovers, of which they caused 19.  Additionally the Cardinals pulled down 20 offensive rebounds, which led to many second chance points. 

It is worrisome to me that the Cardinals continue to be in an offensive slump.  Shoni is carrying the team offensively.  One good defensive effort against Shoni makes me question who steps up for the Cardinals?  So far, the team has been able to still win games.  However, Asia Taylor needs to find her early season rhythm and get her head back in the game.  Sara Hammond and Bria Smith are still in double digits, but their offensive output has not been as strong. 

The last two games have shown me just how much Jude Schimmel means to this team.  The Cardinals have really missed her command of the court these last two games.  Shoni spent much time running the point today, rotating between Monny Niamke and Bria Smith.   Cardinal Couple is hopeful for a speedy ankle recovery from the heady junior point guard.  Her play is very much missed. 

With the win today the Cardinals remain undefeated in conference play and 16-1 on the season.  They return home to play against University of Central Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 15th.  for a 7:00 tip at the KFC YUM Center.  

jenny o'bryan

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EDITOR'S NOTES

  32.4% FROM THE FIELD ISN'T GOING TO WIN MANY GAMES BUT IT GOT THE JOB DONE SUNDAY FOR WALZ'S SQUAD. REVENGE SERVED FOR LAST YEAR'S BULLS WIN IN THE KFC YUM CENTER. THE CARDS DID THEIR BEST TO GIVE THIS ONE AWAY, THOUGH...AT 49-47, IT LOOKED LIKE LOUISVILLE WAS HEADED FOR AN "L" (AND NOT THE KIND OF "L" WE LIKE TO FLASH WHEN HAVING OUR PICTURE TAKEN).

SCHIMMEL'S THREE BARRAGE AND STEAL FOR A LAYUP HAD CARDS FANS COMFORTABLE AT 47-30. USF COULD HAVE TOSSED IN THE TOWEL.

THEY DID NOT.

HAMMOND AND SCHIMMEL TURNED THE TIDE. IT IS WHAT YOU EXPECT OUT OF YOUR LEADERS. BRIA SMITH KNOCKED DOWN KEY JUMPERS LATE TO MAINTAIN THE LEAD.

COACH WALZ WILL TELL YOU THAT ROAD WINS ARE WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD IN CONFERENCE PLAY. ESPECIALLY AGAINST GOOD TEAMS. DESPITE THE 8-8 RECORD, USF IS A GOOD TEAM AND SHOULD FARE WELL AGAINST THE REST OF THE AAC COMPETITION. AND, THEY'LL RETURN THE VISIT...COMING TO LOUISVILLE ON FEB 2ND.

COACH WALZ HAS BEEN KNOWN TO REQUEST CONSISTENCY FROM THE OFFICIATING CREWS. AFTER TODAY'S WIN, HE MIGHT REQUEST THE SAME FROM HIS PLAYERS. UCONN MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE TAKEN THAT 47-30 LEAD AND PROBABLY BUILT IT TO SOMETHING LIKE 67-44.

LOUISVILLE IS NOT UCONN YET.

NO ONE IS (EXCEPT UCONN). THE CARDS ARE CLOSE...BUT YOU HAVE TO DELIVER A HEAD SHOT TO ZOMBIES TO PUT THEM DOWN AND THE CARDS AREN'T. CAN THIS TEAM DEVELOP A KILLER INSTINCT?  THEY'VE GOT 14 REGULAR SEASON GAMES LEFT AND TOURNAMENT PLAY TO FIND OUT...

(WE'LL SEE HOW THE UCF GAME WEDNESDAY GOES...NOW THAT THE KNIGHTS LEADING SCORER BRIAHANNA JACKSON HAS LEFT THE TEAM FOR PERSONAL REASON. THINGS NOT SO GOOD IN MOUSEVILLE?)

paulie

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