WBB Visits UNC -- WBB Keeps Two Seniors -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 Cards Visit Carolina

Louisville women's basketball has another ranked opponent on their schedule- what a surprise. UofL, who is 6-2 against teams ranked in the Top 25 at the time of their respective game, now visit #23 North Carolina.

Teams: #3 Louisville vs. #23 North Carolina

Records: Louisville (22-2, 13-1 ACC), North Carolina (19-5, 9-5 ACC)

Where: Carmichael Arena, Chapel Hill, N.C.

When: 6:00 p.m. ET

TV: Bally Sports Network/Regional Sports Network

Radio: 790-AM WKRD

Head-to-Head Record: Louisville leads 8-3

Coaches: Jeff Walz (15th season as Louisville head coach)

                Courtney Banghart (3rd season as North Carolina head coach)

Key Players: Louisville: Hailey Van Lith (13.2 ppg), Kianna Smith (12.0 ppg, 2.9 assists per game .410 3-pt pct), Emily Engstler (10.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, .431 3-pt pct, 2.6 steals per game), Olivia Cochran (8.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg)

                      North Carolina: Deja Kelly (15.9 ppg), Alyssa Ustby (13.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg), Eva Hodgson (10.1 ppg, .396 3-pt pct), Kennedy Todd-Williams (10.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg)

North Carolina is a team that has been underrated much of the season. The Tar Heels currently sit sixth in the ACC but are just two games out from being tied for third in the conference. All five losses on the year have come in conference play and to top ACC teams- NC State twice, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech. Three of those losses have been single-digit losses. Similar to Louisville, the Heels had a second half collapse against NC State after having a lead at halftime.

UNC likes to go score and has been held under 61 points just three times this year. In fact, their 74.3 points per game ranks second in the ACC. Their defense is nearly as good, ranking third in the conference at 54.2 points allowed per game.

For the Tar Heels, Carmichael Arena has been a strong home court advantage. They're 11-1 at home this season with the only loss being an eight-point loss to NC State. Their crowd of 1,880 people per game is small but mighty.

Fresh off a huge win against Notre Dame and with Senior Day looming in the shadows in just a few days, this could be a trap game for the Cards. Sitting tied with NC State in first in the ACC with one loss apiece, Louisville cannot afford to add a second "L" to the conference loss column.

If you don't have Bally Sports Network, you're SOL for viewing this one on TV. It will be blacked out on the ESPN app and website. If you are unable to watch I encourage you to tune into Nick Curran and Adrienne Johnson on 790-AM WKRD.

Two Seniors Announce Their Return for Extra Season

One of the few positives to come from COVID-19 is that NCAA student-athletes were given an extra year of eligibility. Fortunately for Louisville, Mykasa Robinson and Ahlana Smith have decided to return for another year. Jeff Walz hinted that we would hear some seniors decide to come back and now we have confirmation at least two will return.

So what of the other four? Well, as of right now, none of them have announced their return for next season. My best guess is that Emily and Kianna will both pursue professional playing career opportunities. Chelsie Hall, who is already in grad school, is using her extra year this year and cannot return. Liz Dixon, who would still have another year of eligibility could potentially return still unless she decides to finish her education.

Whether we see just Kasa and Ahlana return or we see more names join the list, it's exciting to see them return to help build up next season's roster!

WALZ NAMED TO NAISMITH WATCH LIST

Congratulations to Jeff Walz, who is one of 15 on the late season watch list! 

For more info and a listing,  of the 15, go to: 

Naismith List

(FEATURED SELECTED PHOTOS FROM JARED ANDERSON AND PAULIE TODAY) 

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared