CARDS FACE CENTRAL MICHIGAN TONIGHT
CMU has downed these Cardinal opponents this season. A win over Western Kentucky (108-90) and Chattanooga (73-50) as part of their impressive resume so far. They also have wins over ACC member Virginia (74-61) and Vanderbilt (66-57) as well, the Chippewas have suffered just one loss -- to talented mid-major South Dakota State -- and return home to McGuirk Arena after being on the road for nearly a month....where they downed UCF 75-68 on Nov. 21st. Although not received any top 25 recognition in any of the major polls, Central Michigan is considered the top team in the MAC and returns to defend the conference title after going 15-1 in MAC play last year.
So, who should #4 Louisville worry about?
Senior Presley Hudson leads CMU in scoring at 23.3 p.p.g., which is fifth-highest in the nation. The 5'6" guard averages four made three-pointers a game and is almost automatic at the foul stripe with a 93.3% success rate. Senior Renya Frost averages a double-double for the "Chips" (16.0 p.p.g./10.7 rebounds). The 6'0" forward was the MAC Tournament MVP last year. Sophomore guard Michaela Kelly, a 5'6" sophomore, averages 13.8 a night and is 16-34 from three-point range. It's Ugly Sweater Night in McGuirk as well and the game is pretty much a sellout despite the students being on Christmas break in the 5,300 seat arena.
GOSH PAULIE, HOW CAN LOUISVILLE WIN THIS ONE?
Getting past the mental aspect of the holidays, the Cards can come at an opponent in waves and many ways. Stop Asia...arguably the best player in women's college basketball this year...? Fine...Dana and Jazz will pick you apart. Concentrate on the Cards guards? No problem, Sam, Kylee and Bionca will "inside you" all night long. Think you can outrun the UofL squad? Good luck...the Cards are 28-0 in fast break advantage in the last two wins over UK and NKU. We haven't seen a guard yet this year who can keep up with Dana Evans and Arica Carter runs the squad with the precision of a brain surgeon performing an operation.
Louisville has played and beaten tougher this season, but the pre-holiday test on the road for them should be interesting. We're hoping the Cards are of "business trip" mentality and go in, negotiate the terms and seal the deal. Are the Chippewas that "tiger by the tail" in the Cards pre-conference schedule? A enthusiastic arena, high-level performing opponent and veteran squad face Walz and company.
WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME IN MT. PLEASANT?
The last time the schools met was on Dec. 2nd. Louisville traveled to Mt. Pleasant with a 4-1 record and engaged the Chippewas in Rose Arena (the previous name of McGuirk) and it was a tight contest...Louisville up by two with 10 minutes to play.
" I told him that I had no idea what had happened or why. Then, as we're talking, something falls out of the ceiling. We both looked down and see a screw from the ceiling on the floor. I turned to Jeff and said "Oh, god, you're screwed.'"
When play resumed, it was the Chippewas who caught on fire and took a 84-75 upset.
That UofL 2009-10 squad ended up 14-18. Who knows what shenanigans CMU has in store for tonight? Tornado warnings? ID checks? Building inspections or the lights going out? Elvis appearance?
Radio, of course, a way to follow the team tonight. 790 WKRD with Nick and A.J. The game will also be shown on ESPN + which means you'll probably have to pay for that viewing privilege.
WHAT DOES WALZ THINK?
Jeff Walz has previewed this contest several times in the past few days. He expects a great ball game. He knows the Chips can score. He'd like to see the Cards force CMU to a half-court game with defense. Keeping turnovers low when Louisville has the ball will be key. Getting up shots (more than the foe) is always a priority. Getting good shots. The Cards guards will receive a test. Rebounding must be better than against NKU...and creating after the rebound on the defensive end is a priority. Blocking out, seizing the opportunity -- these things are key for a UofL win. The Cards are, obviously, a big game and potential program-shaping win for any Cardinal foe.
Not a "trap" game, as Walz pointed out after the NKU win, but a tough road game against a worthy and dangerous opponent. Good preparation for the tough ACC schedule ahead.
I expect Asia to step up and be "prime time" in this one. We'll see and know in about 12 hours.
SOFTBALL SUCCESSES IN CLASSROOM
We reviewed Louisville women's basketball success in the fall semester academically yesterday. Louisville Softball has released G.P.A.'s as well and more excellent numbers are there. Louisville Softball with the 3.204 cumulative grade point average for the fall, with 14 players over the 3.0 mark.
Rebecca Chung, Madison Cousineau, Celene Funke, Megan Hensley, Sidney Melton, Maddy Newman, Paige Schindler and Danielle Watson named to the Dean's List after getting a 3.5 or better semester effort.
Coach Aprile getting it done with her charges in the classroom as they get ready for the season. A sincere and heartfelt "Congratulations"!! to the Floyd Street Fence Swingers from all of us at Cardinal Couple!
paulie
xxxxx
######################
Never knew about the '09 deal, Paulie. Great recollection!
ReplyDeleteLouisville just needs to play their game. Ignore the crowd, treat it like you said -- a business trip -- and use their height and quickness advantage.
Proud of softball academic achievement! Cards getting it done in the classroom.
Curtis "hoping for pleasant results" Franklin
Disappointed that this on is on ESPN+. I wonder how many times you can sign up for the broadcast, pay the fee and then cancel the service?
ReplyDeleteI will probably just listen to radio via the Internet. We are leaving tomorrow for Christmas in Gatlinburg. We're driving up and taking our time.
Christmas wish for all Cardinal Couple readers is good health, plenty of UofL wins to talk about and peace on earth!
-- The Real Joe Hill --
From what I understand, you can only receive one free trial and cancellation at the site. I did this earliernin the WBB season and can't go back in again unless I use Sonya's facebook account and use a different credit or debit card.
DeleteDoesn't matter. I like the radio feed we have here in Louisville and actually prefer that with Nick and A.J. instead of sub-par, home-based, road announcers who basically don't know anything about Louisville WBB besides what is fed them on the [prompter.
We have GREAT Espn+ announcers here in Louisville -- whether it's Jim Kelch, Cortnee Walton, Don Russell or Sara White. Of course, I'm at the home contests so I never get a chance to watch them.
BE sure to stop by and say "Hi!" to the folks at Fox and Parrot and Wine A Little for me Joe! Safe travels and Merry Christmas!
Subscribed to the service today. One time only and then cancelling. This is NOT the wat to grow the game.
ReplyDeleteGrrrrrrr 😠😠ðŸ˜
"way"
DeleteiT APPEARS Presley Hudson isn't too worried about tonight. Her comments:
ReplyDeleteCMU senior guard Presley Hudson, the team's linchpin who has helped lead the Chippewas to several victories over perceived superior competition in her career, said the key is to approach Thursday's game as if it were any of the 30 on the Chippewas' regular-season schedule.
"It's the game we love and play every single day," Hudson said. "It's nothing new to us. We're just going to play our game."
Yep, Cards are just another run-of-the-mill team. Hopes that fits well in your cup of "Chip" Kool-Aid
Paulie
This is a dangerous game? Only if Jeff sits Asia, Dana and Sam...Bionca and Kylee miss the flight and he has Arica play blindfolded.
ReplyDeleteCards by at least 20.
Nick O.
Sooooo not a cupcake team. Capable, as their record shows. Sweet sixteen party Crashers last year with 4 starters back.
DeleteWouldn't take them lightly.
Man, I stand corrected on my comment from yesterday. This Central Michigan team could very well make it back to the Sweet Sixteen.
ReplyDeleteNick O.