Saturday Cardinal Couple -- WBB Coaches we'll miss

SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


- A five-pack of BIG EAST/AAC WBB Coaches we'll miss...

- Whaddya say, A-Tayy?

- No radio tomorrow


In keeping with the theme of transitioning into the ACC...we've decided to take a look at some WBB Coaches we'll miss not coming into the KFC YUM! Center to battle Coach Walz and the Louisville WBB squad. This list is in no particular order or ranking...just a fivesome of skippers we have enjoyed over the years. 

- Doug Bruno -- DePaul

The affable Bruno was always a great post-game interview and watching him in front of the visitor's bench in his "institutionalized" Shawshank Redemption blue shirt with the DePaul logo emblazoned on the right side, pocket level was always a treat. His looks of incredulous disbelief and chuckling dismissal of calls that went against the Blue Demons always reminded me of a fairway duffer who couldn't believe he just put his tee-shot into the woods or just missed a three-foot putt for par. 

Favorite Bruno memory is after his final appearance in the KFC YUM! Center and a 20-something point loss to the Cards. Bruno showed up at the post-game press conference and proceeded to deliver an almost 20 minute Q&A that covered wide ranging topics. Doug never missed a beat and kept the handful of reporters there in rapt attention as he pontificated about any subject presented to him. With a cup of water in his hand, he looked like he was ready to propose a toast at times...and he delivered well that night...much better than his injury-ridden Blue Demons did. 

C. Vivian Stringer -- Rutgers

C Viv steppin' out on the town in New Orleans

C-Viv's game theatrics were legendary but what a classy lady she was before and after contests. When asked a potentially fuse-igniting question after a UofL game about a specific Rutgers player, I remember she rolled her eyes skyward, smiled and shook her head. I don't remember the exact words...but it did have something to do about how good the player could be if she'd accept coaching instructions. 

C-Viv delighted in seeing Coach Walz and his children and she'd always take time to greet the numerous people who would gather behind the Rutgers bench during pre-game warmups when the Scarlet Knights came to the "Ville".

Let her go out on her own terms, Julie Hermann. You have a legendary, national treasure in your WBB coach.

Harry Peretta -- Villanova

"Whaddya mean  you
can't find the ledger for
March's sales?!?"

Harry always looked like a harried, mid-level corporate manager trying to solve an inter-office crisis by the time a game got to the second half...with the white shirt un-tucked, tie askew and arm extended.

Shrugging and turning away from referees after questioning a "bad" call after blasting out a few words of contempt. It was almost like he'd asked an hourly if they could work a few extra hours of overtime and gotten a negative response. 

But Harry was always a class act in words and actions...always quick to give credit to the players and defer questions about himself. Harry was always a true gentleman and gracious in defeat. Hats off to Harry...coach 'em up another 40 years if you have it in you.

Keep getting those hard-working, tough-as-nails Philadelphia Catholic girls on your roster. Solid, fundamental basketball....'Nova and Coach P. style.

Jamelle Elliott -- Cincinnati

"Big wheels keep on turnin'...Proud Mary keeps
on burnin'...Rollin', Rollin' Rollin' on the river."

The wild women of the sidelines...Jamelle was perpetual motion in front of the bench if it looked like her Bearcats had a ghost of a chance of winning. Eventually, when the defeat was evident...and she suffered a lot of them in her early years at UC...she'd doggedly resign herself to a seat on the bench.

 Still shouting out advise to her players, but done with the "Tina Turner - Live In concert" reenactment. 

She ws an unqualified superstar when she played for Geno at UConn and she expects the same out of the players she recruits to be Bearcats. I think she'll eventually be a powerhouse in the AAC.

They just need to get some fans in the seats to sponsor her up in the Queen City. Apathy reigns in the UC WBB fanbase and that's a shame...because they have a coach that is worth the price of admission alone for her performance.

Jose Fernandez -- USF

Geno pats down Jose for weapons before the game

My favorite description of the USF WBB skipper came a couple of years ago when a scribe joked that he "looked like Andy Kaufman's older brother".

Jose's post-game interviews are classic...he goes from speculation to askance...from self-depreciating humor and blame assignment to outright proud defense of anything dressed in the green and gold. All the time...employing a multitude of facial expressions and hand gestures.

My favorite Jose moment came when the Bulls upset a very good UofL WBB team at the KFC YUM! Center.

After graciously consoling the disillusioned Card players...he literally bounded across Denny Crum Court and embraced the USF play-by-play guy Alex Perlman before doing his post-game radio show. A moment of unbridled joy and sincere ecstasy after winning (arguably...) the biggest game of his career. 

Sure, I was disappointed about the loss...but seeing his innocent and genuine joy made me feel a little better about seeing Louisville lose. It was his moment. He deserved it and earned it.


(Got a coach and a specific memory? Feel free to leave it in the comments section or send Paulie an e-mail about it.

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Thanks to Sandy W. for sending the link below feauring our girl Asia Taylor in a Lynx interview.

All three of the Lady Cards in the WNBA were on the same court last night when Atlanta hosted the Minnesota Lynx. Taylor, Schimmel and McCoughtry were in the game at the same time for about four minutes near the end of the first quarter.

http://www.wnba.com/video/wnba/2014/06/09/140604GetToKnowAsiaTaylorupdate2-3296697/


In WNBA action Friday night:

Angel McCoughtry scored 23 points, Erika de Souza had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Atlanta held off the Minnesota Lynx 85-82 on Friday night in Philips Arena.

Shoni Schimmel saw six minutes and did not score. Asia Taylor saw six minutes and did not score.

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We will not be doing a radio show today.

Sonja and I will be at the grave-site services of a departed friend and Jeff still not quite ready to compete after his surgery.

We'll be back next Saturday. 

paulie
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Wednesday Cardinal Couple -- Are you ready for tournament action?

WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

- AAC Tournament begins Friday

- Lacrosse falls to The Ohio State University 12-11

10 teams will enter the Mohegan Sun Casino Arena and one will walk out holding all the chips Monday night. The pairings have been made, times set and rankings finalized.

Here's how it ended up (with a little free commentary from Paulie). We're holding a AAC Tournament Pick 'Em Contest. It's free, pick the nine games the way you see them and winner gets a CARDINAL COUPLE T-Shirt!

(Chicks in New York are paying top dollar for these...)

Send your selections to our e-mail address:

cardinalcouple@twc.com

 Or leave them in the comments section any day up to Friday 6 p.m. For a tie-breaker, we'll use total points by both teams in the championship game. You can see my picks at the end of this article. Have some fun! Pick nine games! Get a shirt! BE the envy of your neighbors, friends, clergy and associates...

UConn is the #1 seed. Gee, go figure...Will they win it all in Uncasville, CT? Most the chips are probably on them and they look like an odds-on favorite. Stranger things have happen though...

Louisville gets the #2 seed. They have given everyone else fits in the AAC except UConn. I see then facing the Huskies in the finals Monday night. I'm hoping for 'upset city, baby!' Cards are on some unfinished business, you see...

USF took the #3 seed away from Rutgers by beating them Monday night. They'll start against the #6 seed Saturday night. That would be Temple. USF beat them twice, but not easily, during the regular season.

Rutgers fell to the #4 seed. They get the unenviable task of facing UConn after trying to defeat the #5 seed SMU. The Scarlet Knights did defeat SMU in both regular season games but R.U. has lost three out of the last four. Wrong direction.

SMU gets the #5 seed by beating UCF yesterday. They've got Mays and she's a handful. The game against Rutgers should be a good one and tough to pick.

Temple as a #6 seed is dangerous. They'll give the Bulls a battle and would possibly face UofL in the semifinals if they can win against USF. They played UofL tough in both games.

Memphis draws the #7 slot. They'll play Houston in the nightcap Friday night. They survive that one, but the Cards await the winner. Bye, bye kitty.

Cincinnati takes the #8 position. They'll open tournament play against UCF...a team they beat by one in Orlando and ten at home. The winner gets UConn. Some reward, huh?

UCF at #9 is my upset special. They beat the Bearcats and then pull a shocker by dismantling UConn. After knocking off Rutgers in the semis...Huh? What?.Must have been dreaming

Houston has been #10 all year and that's where they enter the tournament. They'll need just one night of hotel reservations and can get back home in time to enjoy the weekend.

Friday, March 7 - First Round Game 1: No. 9 UCF vs. No. 8 Cincinnati (ESPN3) - 6 p.m.
Game 2: No. 10 Houston vs. No. 7 Memphis (ESPN3) - 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 8 - Quarterfinals
Game 3: No. 5 Temple/SMU vs. No. 4 Rutgers (ESPN3) - Noon
Game 4: Game 1 winner vs. No. 1 UConn (ESPN3) - 2 p.m.
Game 5: Game 2 winner vs. No. 2 Louisville (ESPN3) - 6 p.m.
Game 6: No. 6 Temple/SMU vs. No. 3 USF (ESPN3) - 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 9 - Semifinals
Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner (ESPNU) -1 p.m.
Game 8: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPNU) - 3 p.m.

Monday, March 10 - Championship
Game 9: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner (ESPN) - 7 p.m.

All times eastern


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Bracket to view:

OK, you've been paitent...so here are Paulie's picks.

UCF DOES KNOCK CINCINNATI ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND MEMPHIS WINS THE NIGHT CAP. RUTGERS SENDS SMU HOME SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND UCONN FINISHES UCF'S STAY. LOUISVILLE ROLLS BY MEMPHIS AND USF ADVANCES OVER TEMPLE. UCONN DISMANTLES RUTGERS IN THE SEMIS AND LOUISVILLE BEATS USF. LOUISVILLE PULLS THE UPSET OVER UCONN IN THE FINALS.

UCF, MEMPHIS, RUTGERS, UCONN, LOUISVILLE, USF, UCONN, LOUISVILLE, LOUISVILLE.

TIE-BREAKER? 145 POINTS SCORED IN THE FINAL GAME.

Bring it!!

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Women's Lacrosse Falls to Ohio State Nikki Boltja had a game-high four goals and one assist. Nikki Boltja's four goals give her 148 for her career, two shy of taking over No. 3 all-time in school history. March 4, 2014 The University of Louisville women's lacrosse team spent a majority of Tuesday's match with the lead over Ohio State until the Buckeyes' scored five-consecutive goals in the second half and held on for a 12-11 victory in Columbus, Ohio. Nikki Boltja recorded her second of four unassisted goals to open the second half and give the Cardinals (4-2) a 7-6 lead. Less than a minute later, Faye Brust delivered Louisville a two-goal cushion with a tally at the 27:54 mark. After an Ohio State goal cut the deficit to one, Kaylin Morissette scored her second of two goals at the 19:24 mark to push the lead back to two at 9-7.   Louisville's second-half lead was short lived though, as Ohio State went on a 5-0 run beginning at the 16:53 mark.   The Buckeyes' Cian Dabrowski, who finished with a hat trick, netted consecutive goals within two minutes of each other, including the game-tying goal at 14:01. Kaila Gottlick then scored an unassisted goal to push Ohio State (3-3) ahead 10-9, and the Buckeyes never trailed after that point. Ohio State tacked on two more to distance itself 12-9.   A pair of late goals by Boltja and Brust with less than three minutes in regulation brought Louisville within one at 12-11, but Ohio State's defense held the Cardinals scoreless for the final 1:13 for the victory.   Ohio State limited Louisville to just six ground balls and four draw controls in the second half, and the Cardinals didn't attempt any free-position shots in the second half.   The Cardinals also struggled in the second period, clearing the ball on just 3-of-6 occasions. Much of the first half belonged to Louisville. After allowing an Ohio State goal to open the game, Louisville compiled two three-unanswered runs in the first 17 minutes of action. Boltja tied the game at one before scores by Colleen O'Malley and Brust made it 3-1 in favor of Louisville. Morissette sparked the second run at the 20:28 mark, and Boltja followed suit with the team's second-consecutive unassisted goal. O'Malley capped the run on a pass from Boltja for Louisville's largest lead of the game, 6-2.   Ohio State made a run of its own, ending the half with four-straight scores to tie it at six. Morissette, who has been a force on the draw this season, was held to a season-low four draw controls, and the Cardinals finished on the wrong end of a 15-10 advantage in that category. Jamie Redding was credited with two assists and had a team-best four ground balls. paulie ... .. .

Wednesday Cardinal Couple -- Cards win at Rutgers 80-71

WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

17-4 second half run leads Louisville past Scarlet Knights

Louisville broke open a close game in the second half to blow past Rutgers and win their first game ever in the RAC Tuesday nights 80-71. With 10:55 to go and down by six at 47-53...Louisville erupted on a 17-4 run to go ahead 64-57 in a three minute run that saw five different Cardinals score.


A crowd of around 1800 saw Shoni Schimmel lead the Cards with 24 points, Asia Taylor added 19 and Sara Hammond finished with 17 for the Cards...who are only the second team this season to score 80 points against C.Viv Stringer's club. UofL out-rebounded RU by three in the game and forced 19 turnovers.

Louisville (or Shoni) actually got off to a good start in this game for once, leading 8-3 on eight points from Shoni. The Cards still led 21-15 after a Shoni three with 11:23 in the first half. A Bria Smith layup made it 34-28 with 5:09 remaining...but Rutgers went on a 10-2 run to go up 38-36 after Betnijah Laney hit a free throw with 10 seconds showing to take a two-point lead into the half.

The Cards shot 39% in the first half...Rutgers 50%. The Cards needed to stop Tyler Scaife, the freshman guard had 15 first half points and was basically doing anything she wanted against the Cards defense.

Louisville spent the first 10 minutes of the final half trying to regain the lead. They finally did at 56-55 with Smith's "and 1" with 9:21 to go. Asia countered with another "and 1" and after a Gibbs layup...it was 61-55 UofL. After a Rutgers score, Shoni's three put Louisville ahead by seven and it looked as if the RU squad was on the ropes.

The Scarlet Knights would not let the Cards acheive a double digit lead, though...and Scaife and Laney tried to get Rutgers back into the contest. It was not enough.

A Sara inside move gave the Cards a 70-63 edge with 3:30 on the clock. Shoni tallied four of the next six Louisville points and her two free throws put it out of reach at 76-68 and 1:04 to play. Four Asia Taylor free throws in the final minute finished out the Cardinal scoring for the nine-point 80-71 "W".

THE FINAL WORD

-Free throws? Sit down before you read any further.

Louisville sank 19-22. Asia had seven of them and Shoni six.

-UofL showed a lot of poise in the second half to overcome Rutgers lead and not allow them to regain it. Asia, Shoni and Sara scored all but seven of the UofL second half points. Louisville outscored RU 44-33 in the half.

-Shoni has now hit 20 threes in the last three games.  That ties for a NCAA WBB best for a three-game stretch this season. She had all of Louisville's tonight except one...a wide open trifecta from Sara in the second half.

-Asia was huge in the final minutes...crashing the boards and converting on the line. Clutch free throws in the final minute by A-Tayy to ensure Rutgers wouldn't send it to O.T.
Six of her seven made charity tosses came in the final five minutes.

-CBS Sports announcer Debbie Antonelli needs to be smacked with a wet grouper. The Schimmel sisters are not twins, Asia did not play in either Final Four appearance (Deb placed her in both) and neither Schimmel sister is named "Shimmy". Monny Niamke is not a freshman. And, quite honestly...you do really think anyone cares that you like salad and yogurt? It's a college basketball game you're working...not a food show.

Nice prep work, Deb.

Plus that, you could hear the excitement drain right out of her voice when the Cards put the Scarlet Knights away. Homerism is for campus/student radio announcers, dear. Not for ancient TV talking heads. Sorry the Cards ruined your party, D.A. They are kinda known for that, though.

- Tyler Scaife is going to be something special for C.Viv. 25 points tonight and all of her 10 field goals looked effortless.

It was a Louisville team that went into a hostile environment, took a quality opponents best shot and emerge holding the trophy.

'Shimmy' rocks.

The Cards come home to face the USF Bulls on SuperBowl Sunday. Roll out for this one, fans...a bit of unfinished business to transact in regards getting some payback on the win USF took on Denny Crum Court last year.


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Just a reminder, the Louisville Lacrosse banquet is this Saturday at the PNC Plaza in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

Cash bar opens at 4 p.m. We've also heard that a ticket to it will get you access to the Volleyball banquet across the way in the Brown-Williamson room.

Our Jeff McAdams will be over there. Sonja and I will be hanging out with the gals who carry sticks with nets.

Attend.

Go to www.gocards.com and get the ticket information. Lacrosse has a strong, talented team returning and you'll have a huge time at the pre-season dinner.

Kellie Young's squad begins the season at #6 Duke. She has a mix of talented returnees and a group of very talented freshmen that will contend for playing time. Nikki Boltja, last year's leading scorer is back for her senior season and watch out for Kat Gordon, Kay Morrisette and Aussie freshman Steph McNamara.

paulie

Wednesday Cardinal Couple -- Cougars caged by Cards 93-52

WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

- Shoni's seven threes spur Cards to 41 point win

Give Houston credit. They did stay fairly close to Louisville in the first half of the Tuesday night AAC contest. An 18-16 Louisville lead after 10 minutes gone in the first half. A 7-0 start by the Cougars to begin the game. Houston still hanging around at the half...down by nine at 38-29.

It is a 40 minute game, however...and Louisville outscored the Coogs 55-23 in the final 20 minutes to win going away 93-52.

Jeff Walz still wants 40 minutes of hoops. Digging down. Not giving up second chance opportunities. Needing his team to know what works and go with it.

Louisville used a 13-0 run to erase the early Houston lead. After Houston rallied back on their own 9-3 run to get within two...the Cards put a 12-0 run together and led 30-16 after an Emmonnie Henderson free throw with 5:17 left.

The Coogs still weren't ready to head to Gilley's and ride the mechanical bull. A three cut the lead to 32-27 at the 2:57 mark. It was a 11-2 Houston run in progress. The Cards did finish the half on a 6-2 final spurt to lead by nine at half.

Asia Taylor was finding success inside and registered 10 first half points. Shoni knocked down three threes in the 20 minutes and had 11 points. With "E" and "Bree" adding six each...the Cards had safety in numbers. Even if Sara the Hammer couldn't figure out the flow, catch the ball or hit a shot.

It happens. Good players have rough games. The switch between the 2-3 zone and man-to-man baffled the Cards at times in the first 20 minutes. Halftime is for adjustments. Walz an his staff had a few to make.

Would the Coogs find a way to hang around?

No.

They aren't 4-14 for a reason. The UofL 'boom' was on the way and most of the 1000 fans in the stands may have hoped it wasn't going to happen but probably expected it.

It took the Cards a few minutes to deliver the thunder. 38-29 turned into 43-33 at the 16:41 mark. Two minutes later...Tia Gibbs scampered off on a steal and looked poised to to build the Cards lead to 16.

She forgot the rhythm of layups and it resulted in one of the most embarrassing moments (probably) of her career and a UofL unassisted turnover. It was, fortunately...a comedic opening to a blistering Cards finish.

At the 10:00 mark, a Shoni three set the score at 60-39. 90 seconds later, Hammond connected on her second goal of the game to top off a 23-6 Louisville run to make it 66-39.

It was over and the only query remaining was whether then Louisville final point total would be larger than the number of fans watching in the Hofheinz Pavilion by game end. 

A Shoni three put the Cards ahead 83-44 with 4:35 to go. The teams struggled through a 10-8 Louisville advantage the rest of the way...UH getting a buzzer-beating three by Palmer at the end to make the final 93-52.

For the Cards, Shoni led with 25 points. Asia had 16 and was dominating on the boards and in the paint. "E" added 14 and showed what a weight loss of 25 pounds can reap. Bria ended with 13 points and Nita Slaughter nailed three second half threes for all nine of her game points.

The Cards come home with a 19-1 record, fifth in the nation and ready to host the Memphis Tigers on Sunday. They are playing very exciting basketball and getting wins...despite Coach Walz post-game disgruntlement about "here and there" miscues.

It's his job.

The gaffes in a 30 point lead against a Houston could be devastating and detrimental in a four-point game against a Rutgers or UConn. Walz is coaching toward the end result while dealing with present-time. Scoreless starts in the first three minutes of a game against Memphis or Rutgers probably won't be so easy to recover from. 

No Jude in this one last night. It was announced she'd be a game time decision by Coach Walz. There wasn't a need for her. Shawnta Dyer will have her hip looked at when the Cards get home. She also watched from the sidelines.

Gibbs scored all of her six points in the second half rout. I hope someone got the blown layup/approach attempt recorded for America's Funniest Bloopers.

Hammond finished with four in what had to be a very frustrating night for her. Megan Deines drilled a three for her only points. Cortnee Walton produced three first half points. No 'cash' Monny points...she actually did attempt a three in the game, though. 

THE FINAL WORD

41-point wins against the cellar-dwellers of the AAC...while fun to watch...can still make for some brief nervous moments when the contest is a two-point affair 1/4 of the way through. Was there any doubt Louisville would win tonight? No. It just took Cardinal fans through a few early and nervous moments. We should be used to the sputters and stalls by now. It doesn't mean we should condone them.

Unfinished business. It can have several different connotations.

40 minutes. It's maybe a round-trip journey to work and back for a lot of UofL WBB fans. It's also the destination Walz wants the Cards to arrive at in terms of consistency.

In the final analysis, though...the final fifteen minutes of Cardinal WBB hoops Tuesday night was very fun to watch. Add another 25 minutes of the same effort and Geno just might have something to ponder and worry about in 18 days.

-paulie

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Monday Cardinal Couple -- Gibbs, Slaughter thwart Mustangs upset bid 81-66

MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

- Five Cards in double figures in win over SMU

It's often said that the mark of a good team is the aspect of an opponent not knowing who or where the "boom" is going to come from.

The University of Louisville got explosions from Tia Gibbs and Nita Slaughter yesterday in a 81-66 win over SMU yesterday in Dallas, TX at the Moody Coliseum in front of 1650 white-clad fans.

Tia Gibbs had 20 points on 7-10 shooting and Nita Slaughter added 17...two of five Cards that reached scoring double figures...as Louisville erased a two-point halftime deficit and led by 20 at one point before corralling the Mustangs by 15 points.

It was the third loss in a row for SMU and 11th. straight win for the Cards 

The Cards shot 55% in the final twenty minutes.

Louisville used a 11-0 run shortly after the final half started to erase any doubt that SMU would pull off the upset. Trailing 37-33, the Cards got a Shoni Schimmel three and Sara Hammond layup to take the lead. After Hammond drew a charge to get the ball back in UofL's hands, Schimmel and Slaughter drained threes and SMU suddenly found themselves down 44-37 with 17:23 to go. 

The run extended to a 21-7 advantage when Slaughter buried another trifecta to make it 54-44 and UofL would eventually push that to a 20 point advantage with 3:41 remaining before settling for the 15 point win.

It wasn't easy for the Cards in the first twenty.

SMU led most of the way early and pushed their lead to 32-24 when Korina Baker sank a three with 5:30 showing on the clock. Louisville responded with a 9-1 run to tie it at 33...Gibbs getting seven of those points.

For SMU, Keena Mays led the way with 20 points...but couldn't explain the second half collapse of the Mustangs:

" I don't know if it was a lack of focus, a loss of focus, but they (UOFL) came out shooting threes and came out more aggressive. We had to come out with the same energy that we had in the first half and it just didn't happen for us."


The Cards sank 10 of their 24 long range bombs...Shoni hitting two and Tia and Nita four each. The Cards even shone at the charity stripe...sinking 17 out of 21 for 81%.

Coach Walz was complimentary about Nita's big game:

" It's big for our program and big for the ball club. She's felt good conditioning-wise the past two weeks, but there's a big difference between running sprints and being on the treadmill to getting out there and getting your game legs. When you've got to stop and get your composure and knock down a shot, it takes awhile. I still think she's about a week away from getting back into her prime."


That could spell trouble for Memphis...who visits the KFC YUM! Center on Jan. 26th.

Besides Nita and Tia, Shoni hit double figures with 12 points...Asia Taylor contributed 11 and Sara posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. Walz used Bria Smith (7 points), Hammond, Taylor, Nita, Shoni and Tia most of the way...Emmonnie Henderson picked up four points, two rebounds and four fouls in just five minutes of court time.

Cortnee Walton ( 8 minutes -- 0 points), Megan Deines ( 7 minutes -- 0 points) and Monny Niamke ( 7 minutes -- 0 points) also hit the court for the Cards. Nita drew the start yesterday in place of Monny. 

It was another sit-and-watch event for Jude Schimmel (ankle) and Shawnta Dyer (knee).

The Cards  (18-1, 6-0) travel south to Houston next for a Tuesday 8 P.M. tilt against the Coogs. No TV for this one (yet) as far as we know.

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THE FINAL WORD

ANOTHER EVENT WHERE THE CARDS PLAY TO THE LEVEL OF THEIR OPPONENT EARLY AND THEN USE A DOMINATING RUN TO CREATE SOME DISTANCE. IT IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL TO SEE TIA AND NITA STEP UP WITH HUGE GAMES. THESE ARE TWO PLAYERS THAT WILL BE ESSENTIAL IF THE CARDS ARE GOING TO CHALLENGE THE HUSKIES THIS SEASON AND THEN ULTIMATELY GO TO NASHVILLE.

THREE STATS THAT STOOD OUT TO ME:

1) LOUISVILLE CONTINUES TO MASTER THE BOARDS AGAINST OPPONENTS. A 43-30 ADVANTAGE IN REBOUNDS. COACH WALZ LIKES REBOUNDING. IT GIVES HIS PLAYERS A CHANCE TO SCORE.

2) 45.8% FROM THE FLOOR. THE CARDS HAD BEEN STRUGGLING OF LATE TO REACH THE 40% MARK. TO DO THIS, ON THE ROAD AND AGAINST A TEAM THAT HELD LOUISVILLE TO JUST 71 POINTS IN THE KFC YUM! CENTER IS IMPRESSIVE.

3) 17-21 FROM THE LINE. WE HARP ON IT HERE. COACH WALZ HARPS ON IT. A 70% RATE ON UNGUARDED SHOTS IS A MANDATE. SARA HIT ALL SIX OF HER ATTEMPTS SUNDAY, BRIA NAILED THREE OUT OF FOUR.

LOUISVILLE COULD EASILY GO INTO THE RUTGERS TRIP 20-1 AND 8-0 IN CONFERENCE. WE SHOULD PROBABLY AVOID LOOKING AHEAD...AND MEMPHIS VISITS SUNDAY AFTER KNOCKING OFF RUTGERS LAST WEEK.  A 20-1 START WOULD BE THE BEST IN LOUISVILLE WBB HISTORY, THOUGH, AND IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE CARDS COULD BE 23-1 WHEN THE CARDS VISIT UCONN ON SUNDAY 2/9/14.

BUT...WE'LL VOW TO WATCH THIS TEAM UNDER THE 'ONE DAY CONTRACT' THAT RICK PITINO SPEAKS OF. HOUSTON NEXT.

PAULIE
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Friday Cardinal Couple --- Nita Slaughter is back !!!

FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

           ********BREAKING NEWS********

Senior wing Nita Slaughter has been cleared to practice and play the remainder of the season by doctors. Jeff Walz broke the news in a press conference today, stating that Slaughter participated in practice Thursday, will practice today and will dress for the Saturday game vs. Cincinnati at 2 p.m. Saturday.

It is surprising...but great news for the Cards. The leader in three-point percentage for the Cards is back

Nita is back !!

FROM GOCARDS.COM...

Slaughter was sidelined initially because a blood clot was found in her lungs and the use of blood-thinners prevents an athlete from competition. The most recent scans taken at the Mayo Clinic were clean of the previously seen blood clot in her lung and no further treatment is needed, therefore clearing her to play. After her full evaluation, the treating physicians are confident in her clearance at this point. She has returned to team practices and will be able to return to games once deemed ready by the coaching staff. "I am excited about returning to the court," said Slaughter. "After being away the last month, I realized how much I love the game of basketball. I am grateful for the opportunity to return and being able to contribute to my team. I am looking forward to competing with my team and picking up where we left off last year."

Walz said Slaughter was referred by doctors at Jewish Hospital to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where she underwent extensive tests that all returned within the normal range for heart activity. The tests also showed no trace of the blood clot, and no further treatment is needed. Walz said she has been taken off all medications.

"We've had some great news on Antonita," Walz said. "As of (Thursday), Antonita has actually been cleared to play. . . . We're thrilled to have Antonita back. But more importantly, we're thrilled that she's okay. What took place on Dec. 3 was probably the scariest moment that I've been involved with in college coaching. To see her now back, smiling, and in good health, is what we're most concerned about and most excited about."

Walz said Slaughter could play a few minutes in Saturday's 2 p.m. home game against Cincinnati, "depending on situations, just to get her a chance to get back out there, depending on how she's feeling" and that her return will be gradual.

Walz said both Slaughter and her teammates were excited at practice on Thursday.

"She was absolutely thrilled, relieved, just, you know, it's a situation for a month you're just doing extensive tests, EKGs, looked at her heart, and everything came back and looked great," Walz said. "It's not something that was taken lightly, by no means. We've gone to the best of the best. They've consulted with others after looking at all the tests and results, and believe that she's good to go."

Walz said he'd just judge her ability to play moving forward based on what he sees in practice. He said that he'll proceed cautiously, and he has that luxury.

Slaughter is the team's fifth-leading scorer at 9.3 points per game, and she is the Cardinals' most consistent three-point shooter. She started 30 of 38 games during U of L's national runner-up season last year, averaging 10.1 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 36 percent from three-point range, and making the All-Final Four team.

"It's going to take a while. It's not something where she'll just jump back and play 25 or 30 minutes a game," Walz said. "She's gone an entire month with no activity. You can't take a month off and then expect to jump back into college athletics at this level. We're fortunate, we play Saturday, then we have a week off. So she'll get some time to get some conditioning in. But what's really exciting for our program is the fact that we have a deep group. It's not something that she's going to have to be pressed to get right back out there. We're going to be able to take our time and get her in as we see fit."

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- A few AAC and Cardinal WBB stats


Here's a few numbers for the AAC and UofL nationwide:

CONFERENCE STANDINGS

UCONN     14-0    2-0   won last 14
Louisville  14-1   2-0   won last 7
Rutgers     10-2   1-0   won last 6
SMU          10-3   1-1   lost last 1
UCF           8-5    1-1   lost last 1
Temple      7-5    1-1   lost last 1
USF           6-7     1-1   won last 1
Memphis    7-6    0-1   lost last 1
Cincy         7-6    0-2   lost last 2
Houston     4-9    0-2   lost last 2

NEXT?

1/4/14

Houston @ Rutgers
Cincy @ LOUISVILLE
UCF @ Temple
UConn @ Memphis
USF @ SMU

1/7/14

Rutgers @ Cincy
Houston @ UConn
Temple @ USF
Memphis @ SMU

NATIONAL RANKINGS


Defensive Scoring  (per game)

#2 UConn     47.5
#9 Rutgers    53.8
#14 TCU       54.9

Offensive scoring (per game)


#7  Louisville
#13 UConn

Rebounding Margin (per game)


#11  Louisville  +12.5   48.5 -36.0

Assists

#19  Louisville  18.5

Steals

#24  Louisville   11.1


paulie

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Monday Cardinal Couple -- Streaky Cards take 71-51 win over SMU

MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

- Shoni's 18 leads Louisville past stubborn SMU

Senior Louisville guard Shoni Schimmel scored 18 points and Bria Smith and Sara Hammond joined her in double figures as Louisville women's basketball improved their record to 13-1 with a 71-51 win over SMU Sunday afternoon in the KFC YUM! Center.

It took the Cards awhile to get untracked in the first game of the AAC regular schedule. Although UofL was having success in keeping conference-leading scorer guard Kenna Mays quiet, forward Akil Simpson was having a career game against Louisville. Simpson scored the first bucket of the game, her jumper pulled SMU within two at 10-8 at the 15:18 mark and she had 10 of the Mustang's first 13 points after two free throws with 11:53 on the clock to cut Louisville's lead to 14-13.

SMU would still be challenging the Cards with 7:59 left in the first half...a Kiara Perry layup gave the Dallas visitors a 23-21 lead.

The final eight minutes of the half belonged to Louisville.

Three Sara Hammond scores and four points from Emmonnie Henderson pushed Louisville out to a 34-26 lead over the next five minutes. Sara and "E" would score again and back-to-back Shoni threes had the Cards ahead 44-30 with 84 ticks left on the clock. Megan Deines converted on a plus-one to give UofL their largest lead of the half at 47-30 and the Cards took a 47-32 lead to the locker room.

Louisville had held the 20 point + Mays to four points on 2-7 shooting...and had shut down Simpson after her big start.

The Cards continued the hot streak when the final half began. A 10-0 run to begin play, keyed by three straight Bria Smith scores, had Louisville comfortably ahead 57-32 with five minutes gone. The Cards captured the next five minute segment 6-1 and Cortnee Walton's layup put Louisville in command 63-33 with 10:52 left in the game.

SMU finally hit their first basket of the second half 18 seconds later and actually outscored the Cards 18-8 the rest of the way...but it was too little, too late for the Mustangs...who were plagued by 27.6% shooting in the final twenty.

Mays finished with just seven points on 3-13 shooting...going 1-6 from beyond the arc. The Mustangs did force Louisville into 18 turnovers for the game but went a woeful 1-18 from three-point range.

Jeff Walz distributed the court time evenly Sunday...no Card getting more than 29 minutes or less than 11. Guard Monny Niamke continued to impress off the bench...she's the best defensive stopper of Louisville guards and a little more time spent learning the Louisville offensive patterns and sets would bode well for her.

Emmonnie Henderson gave a strong performance with six points in 11 minutes to lead the bench...if, in fact, it can be said that there are any "bench" players on this team. Walz brought in Niamke, Walton, Dyer and Gibbs with just 4:01 gone in the first half and all the Cardinals played at least five minutes in the first twenty. The liberal substitution pattern continued in the final twenty...Asia Taylor, Walton, Niamke, Deines and Henderson were on the court when the game ended.

Louisville heads to Philly next for a 4 p.m. New Year's Day game against the Temple Owls.

THE FINAL WORD

- Shoni Schimmel passed Monique Reid and Kristin Mattox Sunday to become fourth on the all-time scoring list for Louisville. She's had a great last two games...averaging 24 points per contest. Next, Jazz Covington...68 points away.

- The Cards were outscored 7-1 in the final four minutes of Sunday's game...the final three of those minutes with the Schimmel sisters on the bench.

- Puzzling is Asia Taylor's recent performances. After a commanding start to the season, she produced only four points and four rebounds in sixteen minutes.

- Two Cards finished with double-doubles Sunday...Bria Smith and Sara Hammond. It was Smith's third career double-double and career record in rebounding with 11.

- Stay away from the TV, Jeff.

When asked if he caught either of the UofL games Saturday, Coach Walz explained he was at a family Christmas get-together and saw bits and pieces of the games. He didn't catch any football until it was 22-2. Maybe we can get him to quit watching men's basketball in entirety.

- Louisville's 24 points in the second half were the lowest point production in a half this season. Maybe they were worried about the Bears game? To their credit, they did hold SMU to just 19 points in the final half.


Paulie