CARDINAL COUPLE

CARDINAL COUPLE
We report on the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports here. Thanks for checking us out! Click the picture of Louie to hear the latest Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast!!

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Louisville women's basketball uses balanced effort to extend streak to 13...Cards 75-Clemson 33


FOUR IN DOUBLE FIGURES HELP CARDS CAGE THE TIGERS


With ACC doormat Clemson visiting the KFC YUM! Center Thursday night, it was the hope that Louisville head women's basketball coach Jeff Walz might get his reserves some extended playing time in the contest. 

It happened way sooner than most of the 8379 in attendance expected it. With the Cards up 4-0 after two Sam Fuehring free throws, Walz replaced starters Mariya Moore, Arica Carter, Cortnee Walton, Briahanna Jackson and Fuehring at the 8:03 mark with Asia Durr, Brianna Jones, Dakota Weatherford, Erin DeGrate and Taja Cole.

Was the mass substitution planned or because of poor performance? 


B.J. FOR TWO! (PHOTO FROM CHARLIE SPRINGER - UOFL
CARD GAME) 
"We didn't start out with the energy Coach wanted...so he put in the second group and I feel like they did a good job and got us on a run." Briahanna Jackson offered in the post-game press conference. 

Walz elaborated on that when it was his time to take the podium: 


MY FAVORITE CHEERLEADER TURNS COURT INTO CORT
" It was by performance...or lack thereof. We turned the ball over two out of the three first possessions and that's not acceptable so I just tried to get their attention. The five I put out there really did well and brought the energy we needed and played well. I was excited for them." 

Indeed, they did.

After a Clemson basket, the "second group" went on a 11-0 run over the next three minutes and a Durr three-pointer had the Cards ahead 15-2 with 5:10 left in the first period. Walz brought the starters back a minute later and Louisville held a 23-8 lead after the first ten minutes. 


(PHOTO BY CHARLIE SPRINGER
UFL CARD GAME)
Although not quite as dramatic as they were to start the game, the substitutions continued over the next 30 minutes. No Cardinal saw less than 16 minutes of action or more than 29...those top minutes going to Fuehring, who started in place of Myisha Hines-Allen, who was not in attendance due to attending funeral services of her grandmother in New Jersey...but expected to return for Sunday's game against WFU.  

So, Sam...what say you about the start? 

" I kind of wasn't expecting to start but I'm always ready to come in and do the work. I think I've gotten better at handling the ball and have gotten stronger...because they've [opponents] been pushing me around...


The Cards -- as a whole -- also continued to get stronger as the game progressed...pushing the lead to 39-12 at the half. The Clemson point-total was not the lowest scored in a half by an opponent in Louisville Women's basketball history, though. Houston Baptist managed only eight against the Cards back on 11/17/10. 

Clemson was shooting 21.4% from the field (6-28) after the first twenty and had not converted a three in six attempts. Fuehring, Moore and Durr all had eight points for Louisville, the Cards were 5-9 from the deep and shooting 48.4%.


GO...YES...BUT WHERE IS THE QUESTION?

Things continued to get worse for the Tigers. The Cards led 45-16 after Walton layup and "plus one" and then went on a 8-0 run to hold a 53-16 edge after a Jackson three with 3:28 left in the third. After 30 minutes of action, UofL was up 58-23 and Jackson had put in 13 points...nine of then from trifecta range. 

Walz had Fuerhing, Cole, Weatherford, Durr and Jones on the floor for the majority of the final period...everyone's favorite "attack yorkie" Weatherford becoming the final Cardinal to score at the 4:35 mark. By then it was 67-27 and Louisville rolled to the final 42 point-win despite not scoring in the final two minutes.  


SOMETIMES GETTING THERE IS HALF THE BATTLE
At least Clemson didn't foul in the final seven minutes. Some ACC schools do have sense enough to know when they're beat. 

Jackson's 13 led the way for Louisville...Fuehring and Durr added 12 each and Moore finished with 10 to round out the double figure scorers. Cole added eight, Jones six, Carter five, DeGrate four, Walton three and Weatherford two. 

A expected romp over a lesser opponent, impressive from the tenacity of the defense, overall production and shooting...especially the 9 for 23 three point numbers...
I'LL just drive my car past the security checkpoint, Worldwide.

HOW DID "FRED" DO?  


FREE THROWS:  Our benchmark here is 70% and the Cards were 8-12 for 66.7%, so we cannot award an "F" here. Erin DeGrate's 0-3 numbers need work, Fuehring's 4-5 stats impressive. 

REBOUNDING: The Cards get a capital R for this stat...getting 50 grabs to Clemson's 27. Walton and DeGrate had 10 each and Louisville had 19 offensive boards while limiting the Tigers to just nine.

EASY SHOTS: Louisville had 25 in the paint or layup attempts but just scored 14 points in the paint. DeGrate had several "bunnies" and putbacks roll off the rim...so we can't award an "E" tonight.

DEFENSE:  Clemson went 0-9 from three point range, shot just 30.2% for the game, committed 21 turnovers and the Cards got 12 steals while holding the Tigers to 33 points. Call no more witnesses, DA...you get a capital "D"...and I should probably award a second one as well...FRDD shall be the final reckoning on Fred for 1/28/16 and Clemson.


DOES ANYONE LOVE PLAYING HOOPS MORE THAN
THESE TWO? 
One wondered how the Cards would fare with their leading scorer and emotional leader Hines-Allen absent. They covered her absence with aplomb and handled the chore...while allowing the least points scored against them this season. Feat accomplished, business taken care of and a good time had by all (except the visitors...probably). 

You expect the kind of romp we saw tonight when top of the conference faces bottom of the conference and we got it. With a win streak of 13 in a row now....the Cards go for "two touchdowns and two extra points" (14) when Wake Forest visits Sunday. 

paulie
xxxxx

34 comments:

  1. This was a huge statement game with far reaching implications. I have no idea what I'm talking about

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    Replies
    1. In terms of the season, it was what we figured would be. Clemson looked beat when they were warming up for the game...

      Paulie

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  2. Like Paulie said, it was what we expected. Good news...glad to see Jackson knock down some shots and Fuehring get extended minutes. Bad news...allowed too many uncontested drives to the rim and, more important, committed 20 turnovers against a bad, non-pressing team. Most of the TOs were unforced.

    I watched Walz's post-game comments and I agree 100% that if this team is to take that next step, the point guard play has to improve. The minutes are there for either Carter or Cole to grab. Actually, as far as court sense and seeing the entire floor are concerned, Durr has it over both of them, but she is probably more valuable at the 2-guard.

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    1. Mike D, I've been saying that since the Michigan State game and fully agree with you. Durr NEEDS to be the point guard but is too valuable at the 2 if B.J. crashes and burns. Wait until next year, though. Cardinal fans are going to absolutely love Sydney Zambrotta and especially Jazmine Jones. Keep the dice rollin, Walz. Also, thanks Paulie for "dragging me back into it". I didn't realize how much I missed it.

      The Durby

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    2. Good stuff, Durby. Welcome back into the fold. Just for the record...Zambrotta is a great point but JJ is being looked at as more of an off guard. Given JJ's talent, she could probably be a Olympic gymnastics str and pull it off without a hitch...it's just how they're listed.

      Keep Calm and Card On
      Paulie

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    3. Mike D - those are excellent points. We need Durr at 2 for now. Also, Durby, that is great you are so high on Zambrotta and Jones. Makes me excited for next year

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    4. I just hope JJ doesnt turn into a Bria Smith situation great athlete, not great basketball player

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  3. If they can keep up the defensive intensity and rebounding they'll be a force in March. It's a pleasure watching Durr and Feuhring shoot the ball. Really great mechanics. Walton's jump shot has been a pleasant surprise too. Making progress!

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    Replies
    1. That is true. Durr and Feuhring do have smooth shots. Durr already plays "slow" which is great. Maybe that's natural for her. You can tell the game is still to fast for Carter and Cole right now. Mentally that is. Point guard is like a quarterback. In Pats vs Bronco's it was the first time all year Tom Brady played way to fast. His feet were too happy.

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  4. Paulie I like but miss the What We Liked and What Needs Work part of the articles you and Worldwide used to do so I am going to give you my version of it here in the comments section.

    What I liked was the 1) Louisville outscoring Clemson in all four quarters. No lapse tonight. 2) Great bench play. Walz took a chance early and the second squad really stood up. 3) Fuehring. She may need to get tougher but that mid range jumper is sweet! What Needs Work is 1) Reducing the turnovers. Too many silly, unwarranted passes. 2) Point guard play. This goes with #1 but either Carter or Cole need to claim this spot and make it theirs. 3) Walz in the post game. He sounded like they lost by 42 instead of winning by 42. It was a big win. Why not enjoy it a little bit.

    Go Cards. Sweep February.

    Blue Lou

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    Replies
    1. Hey, Lou! Thanks for your observations. Sometimes, I think I get these articles a little too long, so I've been doing the FRED segment instead of the Like/Needs work segment. I like your breakdown except for the Walz section. You have to understand the man. He is driven to make this team the best it can be...so he'll comment on shortcomings. I can assure you he is very proud of the progress and the season so far. I like hamburgers but I'd rather have steak and that could be how Coach is seeing it? WE get a chance to see them in games, HE'S there 24/7 with them...so the access creates familiarity and the total picture.

      Paulie

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    2. I like that Walz is candid about needed areas of improvement on individual players. He's just that way and gets away with it. A bit surprised it doesnt create more transfer activity but like you said Paulie, players seem to know it's about getting better.

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    3. Must confess I like the previous "What we liked and what needs work" too

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    4. Blue Lou - you should list your What liked/What needs work comments every game. I enjoy the quick detailed takes others have on the game. People on here are 90% positive (I make up the other part)

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  5. Did anyone else have trouble finding the game on the WatchESPN app? I never did successfully find it. I couldn't go last night because of an infected toe and had to resort to radio. Please don't get me wrong because I like WBB's radio crew's call but I like to watch the action

    Curtis Franklin
    (with a toe the size of a golf ball)

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    Replies
    1. Not sure, CF and TAKE CARE OF THAT TOE! I know Don and Sara were there for the broadcast and got a chance to talk with Don briefly before and after. Always fun to kick it around with "The Don" and I'm sorry that the feed didn't connect for you. If it continues, e-mail WorldWide and have him periscope it for you. I' sure he'd...OK, probably not...

      Paulie

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    2. I don't know about WatchESPN but I couldn't pull it up on ESPN3 till early in the second half. Couldn't pull any of the other games up either. According to their support line it was some sort of a technical issue that they finally resolved. I imagine the WatchESPN was having the same problems.

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    3. Yes, glad you mentioned it. I had to sit through 10 minutes of ESPN promos until I'd get the no video available message I thought it was my home wifi so I went to a sports bar thinking it was on Fox Sports South and the ND Ga Tech game was. Glad to know it was ESPN problem

      Delete
  6. Yo, Paulie. I was there last night and saw you got your sideline gig back next to those two old guys who look like the old guys from the Muppets. Was that the Kentucky Attorney General sitting next to you?

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    Replies
    1. Yes it was Andy Beshear. Normally those are Mayor Jer and Madeline's seats but I had to bring Andy in to clear up some legal issues for me. JUST KIDDING! It was fun chatting with him and believe he'll do a great job for us in Frankfort.

      Those "old guys" are UofL Card Game owner/columnist Charlie Springer and stat crew emeritus Al Benniger. They've forgotten more about UofL sports than I'll ever learn. Great to talk to and learn from.

      Thanks for reading and commenting.

      Paulie

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  7. This is a nice website. I am a Tiger fan and can tell you that Audra Smith has not exactly been the answer for Clemson Lady Hoops. She has a young team, no seniors and a few current injuries. These are her recruits out there and I'm willing to give her a couple of more years to develop them but next year needs to be at least a .500 season overall for Clemson Lady hoops, in my opinion. It looks like you have a great women's fan base at Louisville and I got the feed fine on WatchESPN here in Greer, SC. Your ESPN announcers are much better than ours. Sadly, women's sports and all our other sports really take a back seat to Clemson Football.

    Good luck the rest of the way. Someone needs to end Notre Dame's domination in women's basketball. It might as well be you.

    Arthur
    Greer, SC

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading and commenting Arthur! Give Audra a few more years and support her. Perry and Lefft look like the read deal to me and Roos is a real battler in the paint. We are lucky to have such a wonderful women's sports fan base here. We like to promote the joy and excitement surrounding it.

      Speaking of football, I can tell you our road trip down there two years ago was maybe the best football road trip I have ever been on. Your fan base is excellent! Your tailgating legendary...we will definitely be back in October and if you do the football thing, let me know and we'll try to hook up with you and explore beverage options and food comparisons. I never turn down Italian Sausages or 12 oz. hydration. Or good camaraderie.

      Paulie

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    2. Stop on by! We set up about 100 yards from the east entrance. IT'S RESERVED PARKING but there are good places to park on campus if you arrive early.

      Arthur
      Greer, SC

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  8. Paige Sherrard doing nice job on Swish Appeal It's like a L'ville website

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  9. Story on ESPN - Emmonnie Henderson

    http://espn.go.com/sports/womenbb/

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  10. Norte Dame since joining the "competitive" deep, balanced ACC is a whopping 39-1.

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    1. Wade, buddy, you're on a roll. We love the "Paige" and she's our Erin Andrews...no doubt.

      Paulie

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  11. Cards vs ACC 8-0. Non ACC 8-5 include two losses to mid major schools
    This is why Walz sounds like an unsatisfied lunatic sometimes. He knows we ain't that good yet.

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    1. I think Coach is slow playing this hand but we got "cards" left to be dealt yet. I think a light has gone on in Sam Fuehring's closet....telling her, "yeah, I can be that good" and I hope that light doesn't dim.

      Paulie

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    2. As usual wise insight

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  12. People must be used to Sara White and developed an acquired taste cause boy she really makes the game harder to enjoy for me. It's the voice and accent which neither are her fault but jeez.

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  13. What a rant by Wisconsin coach after Mariya's AAU teammate Romero has shooting display for Nebraska. Enjoy

    http://m.host.madison.com/wsj/sports/college/basketball/women/video-badgers-women-s-basketball-coach-bobbie-kelsey-get-your/html_291082ea-9530-58ea-b34b-174cc3f231d6.html

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    Replies
    1. Wow...great rant. That'll make the Saturday morning radio show

      Paulie

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  14. Example of what Wisconsin coach was talking about is a recent game Miami vs Va Tech where the two teams shot 5-35 the score in the quarter was 8-4. WCBB does not have nearly enough good consistent shooters inside or outside. No one wants bad basketball. Bad shooting and bad execution is a problem for WCBB. A lot of ladies are choosing volleyball who have height

    ReplyDelete

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