32-3 run boosts Cards past Clemson
Shawnta' Dyer had 20 points, 8 rebounds and no turnovers to lead the Cards to their 21st. win of the season. Four Cardinals ended up in double figures in the 32-point win. Louisville actually led by 39 in the contest...buoyed by that 32-3 run...at 63-24 halfway through the final half.
The Cards started strong with a surprising starting lineup of Myshia Hines-Allen, Sara Hammond, Mariya Moore, Sherrone Vails and Jude Schimmel. Bria Smith did not see action until eight minutes left in the game...a move by Jeff Walz because of "on the court, off the court issues" by the senior guard. Nevertheless, the Cards roared out to a 9-0 start in the first three minutes on a Sara Hammond jumper and led 21-5 after Shawnta' Dyer connected inside at the 12:28 mark.
Clemson would cut the Cardinal lead to 31-21 with 2:47 left in the first half...but Louisville would score the final eight points of the first twenty minutes...an Arianna Freeman putback with six seconds remaining gave UofL a 39-21 lead.
The Cards began the second half with the same intensity they ended the first half and held Clemson to just three points in the first ten minutes...roaring out to a 63-24 lead.
Smith would finally step on the court for Louisville with eight minutes remaining in the game but did not score in the contest.
Clemson would get no closer than 28 the rest of the way and Louisville led 81-46 with 1:32 left after two Emmonnie Henderson free throws. A late Clemson three set the final at 81-49...Louisville outscoring the Tigers 42-28 in the final half.
Besides Dyer's twenty...Moore had 15 points, Sara 12 and Hines-Allen 10. Jude Schimmel added seven points and seven assists and both "E" and Arianna Freeman saw extensive action in both halves.
An expected blowout against a ACC cellar dweller. Louisville had 27 baskets on 21 assists and that speaks volumes. The Cards also out-rebounded the Paws 47-19. Louisville also hit 5-9 from the trifecta arc and was over 70% from the charity line. Megan Deines sat again with the ankle injury. She's questionable for UNC. Arica Carter saw action but did not score...as the Cards played all nine they brought.
Clemson had neither the height or the physicality to challenge the Cards. Louisville used the game plan that has been successful so many times this season. Get the ball to the bigs, outrun and wear down the opponent and put stifling defense against the stars in the different jerseys.
On "sorority night" in Littlejohn Arena...the Cards passed the pledge tests with flying colors and remain in the hunt for the top of the ACC standings. Whatever the issue is with Bria...Louisville prospered without meaningful playing time from her. If the lesson was that the Cards could play well without her 'buying in' and off the court...it was delivered (and hopefully learned) last night.
Stranger things have happened in the history of UofL WBB...
paulie
Bria has been a big disappointment this year, no doubt. She had that amazing triple double vs WKU and has seemed to disappear ever since. Showing up late to practice is what Coach Walz told Matt pre game amongst others things.
ReplyDeleteAll faith in Walz to handle the issue accordingly and properly. You play on a team, you follow the rules and contribute to the team effort.
DeletePaulie
Nice summary Paulie. It was good to see the minutes a bit more spread around. Seems like E continues to improve in all phases. Nice to see the threes and free throws start to fall more.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how bad Hines-Allen is hurt? Also maybe it was just me but is Jude hurting too? She had a pretty good floor game but seemed to be moving pretty gingerly at times.
Myisha turned an ankle late in the first half but was up and walking on it soon after. She should be fine to go for UNC. Jude still has issues with the ankle she sprained last year from time to time but you play through pain a lot at this level.
DeletePaulie
Wasn't able to see the game but was glad Freeman played some meaningful minutes and contributed.
ReplyDeleteFreeman and "E" both saw 16 minutes and both played well.
DeleteNot a whole lot to say about this game - Cards played hard, took care of business and did what they were supposed to do. They will need Bria against UNC. Looks like "E" has finally learned that quick bad shots equal a quick hook. Hopefully she can continue to get 16 or so minutes a game.
ReplyDeleteI saw on Jody Demling's site that three 2016 recruits (all 6-4) will be at the UNC game. Lauren Cox from Texas is HoopGurlz #1 and Tori McCoy from Illinois is #6. Kylee Shook from Colorado is not in HoopGurlz top 50 but she is absolutely killing it at the 4A level in Colorado.
Yes, big day for recruits on Sunday, They usually sit near CARDINAL COUPLE writer-on-sabbatical Jenny O'B...and she's good about texting me who's hear and if she recognizes them or not.
DeleteA big one Sunday. The TarHeels knocked off FSU last night. Only UND sits alone at the top now. Time to pull them down from that chair. We'll have our shot but a little help from another conference member would be welcome as well...
Paulie
Nice. I can't believe we have a shot at Lauren Cox. That's great news!
DeleteI sit behind the bench and Jude has looked to be hurting all year. I do understand at this level you play through pain, but she seems to be hurting, looks like her ankle.
ReplyDeleteWalz has said it before, and I have to agree, I love that Freeman makes the most of the time she gets on the court. Does not always get minutes, but when she does, she is making them count. 6 boards last night for Freeman! E. Looks to have turned a corner, and I could not be happier with her.
Agree wholeheartedly on E's progress. I also think she has the best pure shooting stroke on the team. Sara & Mariya both do a good job too but E's mechanics are just excellent. You combine her great hands with that stroke and it's a beautiful thing. 4 for 4 from the line yesterday. Mariya was 9 of 10!
DeleteWalz should think about having E & Mariya hold a free throw shooting clinic for the rest of the team.
I thought E "got over the hump" against Clemson. You could tell there were a few times she wanted to shoot but held off and worked the offense. Good Stuff.
Looks like Arizona State was able to get their tourney scheduling conflict fixed so they can host the first two rounds in Tempe if they end up being seeded that high. That leaves the Cards as the only NCAA top 20 projected team to be unable to host at home. It's a lot easier to move a conference gymnastics championship than a NCAA MBB tourney round so I doubt we have the options that ASU had to change things up but it would be nice if we could do something.
ReplyDeletehttp://espn.go.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12319297/arizona-state-sun-devils-host-ncaa-tournament-games-pac-12-moves-gymnastics-championship-university-utah