CARDINAL COUPLE

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Monday, March 27, 2017

A crazy day of hoops...Lacrosse falls at Northwestern -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE



(The misery loves company Monday Morning edition of Cardinal Couple...where the Cats join the Cards on the couch to watch the
Men's final four and madness reigns in four games) 



One of the best parts for me during the NCAA Tournaments is that several day stretch when 16 turns into four. No, I'm not introducing another Walzian Theorem to you and it isn't a new version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "If Six Were Nine" but when the Sweet Sixteen becomes a Final Four....it's a pretty special time of year.  

Your Monday morning musical selection here: IF SIX WERE NINE

Sunday was a great day for watching hoops. It started off with seeing if the Brianna Turner-less Irish WBB squad could make the Dallas dance against Stanford. After one half, that answer appeared to be "Why, Certainly!" Notre Dame had a 14 point-lead, Elizabethtown star Erin Boley was getting rave reviews and her Mom national TV exposure and all was well in the Muffet McGraw locker room...seemingly. An 18-0 Irish run and one wondered if the Cardinal was going to end up like the Cardinals. 

Someone forgot to cue the Cardinal in on the script. A 24-12 third quarter from Tara's terrors made this one a ball game again. A wild fourth quarter that ended up, so ironically, with...first... a lob pass into Alanna Smith for the go-ahead basket. a play that Stanford never tries if 6'5" Turner is on the court. Then, the Arike Ogumbowale fake and drive that ends up getting rejected by 6'3" Erika McCall to preserve the win. Why not take the jumper you've been nailing all game long? 

From a 56% shooting first half to a 33% number in the final twenty. The Irish go home and the Trees head to Dallas. 

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Switching over to the men's side. Florida vs. South Carolina. How many of you had those two playing in your office bracket. Yeah, thought so. Two SEC schools, a #4 seed and #7 seed. 


Frank Martin. If you're not familiar with the Cocks' coach...get ready. This guy is a gem. He just might make the Final Four on the guys' side watchable. He's kind of a white collar, subdivision doppelganger of Syracuse's "Q". 

Florida bombing threes in the first half. Seven of them. With the apparent ease of tossing oranges into a gathering basket. Like, the women's game before, though, you play all 40 minutes to determine a winner. 

Florida misses all 14 attempts from beyond the arc in the final twenty. South Carolina goes inside..22 of their 26 buckets in the paint in the final 20. I couldn't help but wondering several things as the Gators sunk into the swamp...What Would Billy Donovan Do?  How crazy would SEC fans would get if the Cats could get by "DadGummit Roy" and how did Duke and Baylor both manage to lose to South Carolina. Once again, that madness of March. 

Two names to remember:  South Carolina's Sindarius Thornwell and Maik Kolsar.  Candidates for Worldwide's All-Name team, or a Tom Clancy action novel and the two main reasons that the South Carolina squad marches on with a 77-70 victory. The Gamecocks sank their final five free throws to secure the win. Florida had beaten USC 81-66 in a game 35 days ago. Ah, the madness of March...


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The Cats were up next in the sequence.  They held a earlier season win over UNC. (Yup, we've heard this one before...) They got a career game out of Issac Humphries . They made three threes in the the last minute. Malik Monk with the three to tie. Pandemonium next door at my neighbor's (who had a Big Blue watch party that I was invited to but politely declined). Then, stunned silence and a few minutes later...a girl staggering out of the front door and puking in my taxus bushes. (No, not at the game...next door, again). Thanks. Probably great fertilizer, right? At least she didn't fall into them...

Luke Maye goes Cool Hand Luke, Luke Skywalker...even Luke Hancock and nails the jumper. Nails the door shut on UK advancing. Nails a berth for the ACC in the Final Four and nails to the wall another example of why they play the game. 

Cats up by five with five to pay. Tar Heels up by five with two to go. CBS is calling it an instant classic. That moniker may vary depending on what part of the country you live in. 


Sit down and grab a seat on the couch, Wildcats. The Big Blue Mist just sunk into the Mississippi River. Oh, wait a sec...not that couch! Lexington news reports that numerous t-shirts, a television and a couch were burned in the streets last night.  Here's a little video below that shows some of the post-game UK fans antics. (I just love the girl dancing about 15 seconds in!) 


LINK HOW BOUT DEM KATS?

"Bring out the couch!"  (Somewhere, a former UK and NFL quarterback by the same name is still hiding in an undisclosed basement...unwilling to emerge). 


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While the silliness is going on in the streets of Lexington...in Oklahoma City there is work being done. Kim Mulkey's Bears and looking to send Mississippi State's Bulldogs to the doghouse. 

We'll be polite and just say that this one was a lot closer than the Cards effort against Baylor. And, hello and we love you, Morgan William! Mississippi St. fighting tooth and nail against Baylor. Leading the Bears by three at the half. Kim Mulkey bringing out all her best dance moves, facial expressions and favorite howls and screams for this one.

A one-point lead for the Bulldogs after three and down to the wire we go! Little mighty-mite Morgan ties it at 75-75 with 25 seconds left in regulation and both teams miss chances to win it. Extra ball! 

And...strictly no contest in those five minutes. Say it again. Morgan William. 

LINK: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=19012340


41 points from the diminutive guard that had 14 made threes on the season before this game. Add six more to that total. Ten points in the fourth quarter and 12 in O.T. Playing on the day after that...three years ago...her father died. The feel-good story of this women's tournament...by far. 

A 5'5" guard. Qualifies for our "Attack Yorkie" designation and a game from her that all attack Yorkies everywhere can proudly point. School and SEC scoring records for an NCAA Tournament game. 

"Give the little gal a chance!" YES! That one was for you...Shelby Harper, Jessica Laemmle, Dana Evans and Taylor Johnson and all guards 5'6" or shorter.

Baylor goes bye-bye. 

Kim Mulkey may have summed it up best: 

"That one girl kicked our butts. I knew we were in trouble when they started banking in threes at the start of the game." 

Yorkie Power. Expect the unexpected. 

Vic Schaefer and Frank Martin at the same party? Forget about it...way out of control. Invite the dancing UK girl and turn up the radio. 


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LACROSSE FALLS TO NORTHWESTERN

Louisville Lacrosse loses 12-8 to Wildcats

#14 Northwestern scored the final five goals in the contest to erase a 8-7 Louisville lead and take the match in Evanston., IL. Kellie Young explains: 

" This was a tale of two halves. We executed our game plan in the first half and played well as a team. The second half was a different story. We have work to do. " 

Hannah Koloski had four goals in the Cardinals' loss while the Wildcats benefited from five different plays with two goals each. Louisville got goals from Madison Hoover and Meghan Siverson to break a 3-3 tie  in the first half and take a two goal lead to the locker room. 

The Wildcats responded with four goals to open the final session and grab a 7-5 lead. Louisville battled back...Koloski scored twice and Ashley Lynch found the net to put the Cards back in charge 8-7 with 11:36 remaining. The Cards would not score again. 

Five losses in a row to Northwestern...going back to 2012. 

Louisville (9-4) returns to action on April Fools Day for a Saturday 1 p.m. ACC contest at Virginia Tech. 


paulie
xxxxx

39 comments:

  1. I was happy to see a couple of teams lose last night. The fury with which Mulkey lost made the Baylor loss that much better.

    And to all of the UK fans on Twitter that are playing the victim about Louisville talking about their loss as if they weren't all doing the exact same thing last week, I say 'kick rocks'.

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  2. Also, I can't edit my other comment so I'll chime in with another one. The lacrosse loss was rough. Northwestern put together two runs in the second half that won them the game. 4-0 to start the second half and 5-0 to end it. Louisville has been susceptible to runs like that throughout this season, so hopefully they can figure out how to shore up the defense a bit to stop the bleeding in those situations.

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    1. It has been a dilemma several times this season, those opponent runs that either blow a game wide open or cut into the lead. It's something that baffles Young as well. I agree. With four regular season games left before the tournament, Louisville needs wins to be a NCAA candidate this year. Can't get 'em if you're not getting defensive stops.

      Paulie

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  3. Have you ever noticed how much Kim Mulkey and Kelley Anne Conway look alike? My "admiration" for both of them is about equal.

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    1. LOLOLOLOL...I never put the "two" together, Vivian. But...you are right. Once again, Mulkey can't get the Bears to the Final Four. Expect she spent the rest of the night punching out her hotel room walls, yelling hysterically at the mirror and sending cryptic texts and twitter comments.

      Put down the Woodford bottle and get some sleep, Mulks...


      Paulie

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    2. Please spare me the political comments. If you want to go there fine but just be ready. Speaking truth about Mulkey is one thing...giving your political opinion about Conway is something else again.

      Just Sayin. don't step out if you can't handle the feedback.

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    3. I had heard the name and had to google the picture because I wasn't quite sure what it was that she did. As far as the political commentary goes...we probably aren't the best site for that. Kellieanne Conway, for those who aren't aware, is the current counselor to President Trump. It seems that there are some TV shows that won't honor her requests for one-on-one interviews. One thing we all know is that Mulkey's interviews, whether they be one-on-one or to a group, can be quite interesting.

      (drops microphone, walks off stage)
      Paulie

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    4. I'll step out and sorry Paulie but Conway is a joke. Part of a joke administration and presidency.

      Now, onto hoops. This state has gone crazy with both the men and women BB squads still alive. As a Clemson fan, that stings a little bit. The Miss. St Bulldogs just might be ready to give UConn a run for their money and then I stop and see that Tennessee beat them? Looks like a coronation again for King Geno.

      #1 Clemson fan
      Your friend Arthur
      Greer, SC

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    5. If you don't know the name then you've had your head somewhere it shouldn't have been for the last year. If it's that clear to you the next time I send money please feel free to kick it back due to my political beliefs. That will be cool.

      And since Paulie doesn't fee like stepping in on this I'll just say as someone that has been supporting this site for years then that's fine. You other folks just need to step the f up.

      Vivian and Arthur are cordially invited to kiss my ass.

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    6. Burn, no offense intended. I just haven't been into the political scene for quite awhile. don't watch the news shows or talk shows. Head has mostly been in women's sports and horse-racing along with dealing with my late mother-in-laws property and estate. Sorry if I touched a nerve or upset you. It's just that politics or the players involved with them haven't been a fore-front issue for me.

      There is no judgement here from me on your political views. We are all living in a country where we have the right to pick and choose these beliefs and the degree we waant to pursue them.

      Burn, if it is that big an issue and you feel that way...I'll gladly reissue your donation to you via Pay-Pal. I don't think you should take it that way, though, honestly and, once again, I intended no offense or slight toward you or what you believe in.

      Paulie

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    7. I can pretty much back up what Paulie says Burn. He's one of the most non-political guys I know. His only possible involvement in them might be that he sits next to former Louisville mayor Jerry Abramson at Louisville women's basketball games. Jerry has floor seats and Paulie and Sonja sit at the end of media row next to them.

      I've known Paulie for 25+ years and we've never had a political discussion. And, we had a lot of discussions in those years. Don't be harsh on him, please? He's had it pretty rough lately and I'm glad he's still providing the site. Some may have already abandoned it, if they were his current situation and shoes.

      -- The Real Joe Hill --

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    8. Thanks, Joe, I appreciate the words but I'm a big boy and I can defend myself here. I'll reverse the donation, Burn, if that's what you want.

      Paulie

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    9. see what happen when u start talking politics at sports site smh

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    10. I don't need my money back but I also don't need to feel like political sides are being taken. I agree with Joe that this place had never been political (other than the Cuba trip) but if that's where it's going I'm not just going to lay down and take it from Tools like Vivian and "your friend Arthur" who is a fing Clemson fan to begin with. That's all.

      Delete
    11. I am quite sure that the only political candidate Paulie would back would be Matthew Mitchell for Governor. You little birdies entertain me to no end!

      Matthew Mitchell for Governor

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    12. Understood and let's call it a day on this thread and political discourse, OK? FSU vs. SC. Who ya got tonight, readers?

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    13. Go ACC and FSU

      Blue Lou

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    14. Go SEC and South Carolina ! Poor Waldo hasn't been seen since he went looking for his lost offense.

      Matthew Mitchell for Governor.

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    15. Whoa....that took a turn didn't it? I remember this is the same guy who was crapping on Muhammad Ali when he died and talking smack against Walz for taking the team to Cuba. So the standard is that he can say what he feels, but if someone else with a dissenting point of view does, then he threatens to take his ball and go home? That's not the kind of money I would want with those types of strings attached to it. Especially when 99.9% of the time there is no political discussion on this site at all.

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    16. Hey Burn Brother....I was talking about the way they look - very un-feminist of me but just an observation followed by my opinion of the two individuals. Sorry Paulie, I didn't mean to stir up a hornet's nest. This site is about UofL women's sports.

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    17. How about Asia getting All-American honorable mention?

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    18. Anonymous - I don't bring up political issues but I do respond when appropriate. It needs to be 100% apolitical unless folks are trying to stir things up. Just because I support Paulie doesn't mean I can't respond when folks start slinging it.

      Just check with Paulie to see how much I've attached strings to my support of his efforts.

      If you'd like to discuss directly feel free to email me at gms@ceoexpress.com.



      If you'd like to discuss further feel free to email me at gms@ceoexpress.com

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    19. Burn good job speaking up. Already too much politics in sports. I don't think Vivian meant much by it but it still reflected her political views. No crime but it can be an irritant as sensitive and polarized as things are these days.

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  4. Hey. How about that little Morgan girl? It brought my wife to tears and your buddy Joe here was a bit misty-eyed as well. They're my team the rest of the way.

    And, UK fans? Get over it. Ol' Roy "dag-gummed" you.

    (Somewhere in the street of Waco, Kim staggers with a picture of Geno and a fifth of Woodford. Screaming at light posts and speed dialing Griner.)

    -- The Real Joe Hill --

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    1. What a wonderful story she is. As you know, I don't frequent the comments section to post but I have to agree with you, Jo-Jo. That little girl had me crying too and Paul would never admit it but I saw him wipe his eyes. Sonja

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    2. I agree Morgan William was the highlight of the year for WBB for me. What a game. Not only did she score 41 plus manage the game she covered Alexis Jones! Poor Wallace. What an awful way to end her year. She played lights out verse us.

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    3. Haha! That is funny about Kim walking the streets of Waco plastered with a pic of Geno

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  5. Wow. The Irish lose. As your tournament leader, I am a little worried. I need FSU tonight. With four games left, I am nervous. I have UConn, FSU, and Miss. St. alive for the final four and a final game of FSU and UConn with UConn winning it all. Can I do this?
    The Deb Factor

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    1. Deb you got ripped off by Turner going down. ND was a good pick till then.

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  6. At one game behind you:

    Cliff has UConn, Stanford and SC alive. He had Baylor that lost. He has and and Stanford in the final. UConn winning.

    Curtis Franklin needs FSU too. He has Miss. St. and UConn. He had Notre Dame. Had them going to the final and losing to UConn.

    Two games back is Kenny S. Both Baylor and ND lost and he had them in the final four. He has UConn playing ND in the final, with UConn winning.

    I don't think Perry S., Charlie MC or I can catch you. I just have UConn alive. Perry S. has UConn and SC left. Charlie Mc. has Uconn, Miss St and SC alive. UConn beating SC for the title.

    I think you might be OK, but we'll update the standings in the Tuesday CC article.

    Paulie

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  7. I do like Mulkey's comment. Seventeen turnovers to four? We shouldn't have even been in it. Not at the Elite Eight level. It looks like she'll have plenty of time to go watch her boy play baseball now.

    Good coaches prevail for the most part. Tara Vanderveer, Geno, Dawn Staley, Sue Semerau. Surprising is Schaefer. McGraw I think most people had advancing.

    These are some of the coaches that Walz need to catch up to. He is the fourth, maybe fifth best coach in the ACC behind McGraw, Hatchell, Semerau and maybe Hillsman.

    And, get a big girl that can score, Jeff.

    Curtis "I'm 5'5" too and damn proud of it!" Franklin

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    1. Walz two championship games under his belt.

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    2. I think Walz is better than anyone in the ACC except Muppet I mean Muffet. I don't think the ACC has the best coaches around so the bar is not high to beat

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  8. Is there anyway that Oregon could upset UConn? I love those three Ducks freshmen girls!.

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    1. Nope. Unless UConn gets food poisoning or forgets how to get to the arena.

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  9. Good write up today Paulie! The Two Keys Tavern isn't too far from where I live in Lexington. There is a great vid out there of the crowd celebrating and then solemn after the UK loss. Except for one girl who it hasn't quite sunk in with yet. No burnt couches on my street but about 1/3 the employees at where I work either called in today or came in with hangovers.

    Video link: http://www.kentucky.com/news/article140947763.html

    Blue Lou

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  10. On a more positive note I understand Cam Newbauer just got the head coaching job at Florida. He'll do a great job.
    Good for him!

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  11. Thank god the cards are getting a point guard next season.
    Thank you!!!!! Dana Evans in advance.

    MLW

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