Wednesday Cardinal Couple -- Cardinals dominate in Muncie 105-67

WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

- Louisville rolls by Ball State by 38


The #7 Louisville Cardinals had another dominant performance Tuesday night that was highlighted by great passing and a tough defensive effort.  The Cards ran away with this one early, and finished with the win against Ball State 105-67.  This brings the Cardinals to a 11-1 record on the season. 

Listening to the game on the radio with Matt Andrews and Adrienne Johnson with the call, they were in agreement the first half was the best 20 minutes of play of the season.  Sara Hammond hit the court on fire and had 11 of the first 17 points for the Cardinals, in the first 5 minutes of the game. 

Jude Schimmel found her offense, and seemed to regain her confidence scoring early, and often.  Aside from the points she put up, she was passing the ball beautifully, notching assists and had several steals and deflections in the first 20 minutes.      

In the first half, all the Cards played, and they all scored.  The half ended with a bit of a scare with Asia Taylor going down.  Taylor was able to walk off the court on her own, apparently taking a tough shot (perhaps an elbow) to the stomach. 
 

The Cards went in to halftime with a 60-29 lead, a season high in first half scoring.   Hammond led all scorers with 11 points.  The Cardinals had 16 assists on 25 field goals, 20 rebounds, 1 block and 8 steals in the half. 

The Louisville squad served up a dominant half with precise passing, unselfish play and taking care of the ball.   The focus of the second half was to keep up the dominant performance playing a full 40 minutes of play going full throttle. 

The second half opened much slower for the Louisville Cards.  It took a few minutes in to the second half for the team to get going.  The Ball State team seemed to make some adjustments at the half.  Not too long though, and the Cardinals were back making big plays. 

The second half saw a lot of time for Deines, Niamke, Henderson, Walton and Jude.  It was highlighted by too many hand checks by the Louisville Cardinals.   While this contest was never in doubt, I would have liked to see a cleaner performance by the “second half” team.  That being said, the Cards won handily.  28 assists tonight!

Jude Schimmel was named the player of the game with 14 points and 4 assists.  She had a great game and it was good to see her get out of her offensive slump.  

The Cardinals hit the century mark for the fourth time this season, a program record.  Additionally, twice this season they have had back-to-back 100-point games, another first for the program.  

Shoni led the way in scoring with 17. Tia Gibbs added 15, Jude produced 14 and Sara Hammond rounded out the double figure scorers for UofL with 13. 

The outcome of this game was never in doubt.  This was a very good game against an outclassed Ball State team.  The first real test for the Cardinals, without Antonita Slaughter, happens at home on Saturday against a very good Colorado team.   This top 11 match up will be a good measuring stick the rest of the way for the Cardinals.  This was a loss last season for Louisville on the road, again with a key player out of that game, with Hammond not making the trip. 

How will our Cardinals respond against stiffer competition?  Get to the YUM on Saturday for a 1 PM tip to find out.   Get there early with the kids to help Louie celebrate his birthday.  It should be a good, competitive game.  We will see you there! 

-jennyobryan