Cards Square Off Against Georgia Tech -- HVL Named to Wooden Award Watch List -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Louisville to Host Georgia Tech with Late Tip-Off

Hailey Van Lith, Merissah Russell, CC Carr, and Nyla Harris

Louisville women's basketball will square off against Georgia Tech tonight at the KFC Yum! Center at 8:00 p.m. ACC Network has picked the game up to be nationally televised, which is what led to the later tip-off. The Cards, fresh off a loss at Duke, begin a two-game homestand. We don't get Paulie's crush  Deb "offense" Antonelli, though, for the call...it's Pam Ward and Stephanie White. 

Those unable to attend the game or tune into the tv can also check out the game via radio at 93.9 FM. Nick Curran and Cortnee Walton will continue their tag-team analysis and play-by-play.

The Cards have owned the all-time series 9-0 with a 5-0 record at home. Most recently, Louisville relied on a 23-16 fourth quarter to defeat the Yellow Jackets 50-48 in Atlanta on Jan. 2, 2022. Emily Engstler hit the game-winner with two seconds remaining in the game.

Similar to Louisville, Georgia Tech has had a bit of a down year compared to recent seasons. They sit at 9-5 on the year with an ACC record of 0-3. Those conference losses came against Boston College (by 12), Virginia (by 6), and Florida State (by 41). They do have wins against Belmont (twice), Michigan State, and Auburn this season.

Cameron Swartz, who was a force to be reckoned in her time at Boston College, is utilizing her fifth-year option with Georgia Tech. She leads the team with 13.2 points per game and is their top free throw shooter, knocking down 85.5% of her attempts from the charity stripe. Bianca Jackson is another addition from the transfer portal (FSU) and is the only other Georgia Tech player averaging double figures in scoring at 12.6 ppg. 

Georgia Tech doesn't have a true go-to rebounder, but instead has attacked the glass by committee. Seven different players average between 3.1 and 6.1 rebounds per game. 37% of the rebounding has been on the offensive glass this season.

The good news for Louisville, who averages allowing 63.4 points per game, is that Georgia Tech only averages 62.0 points per game. Meanwhile, the Cards have posted a 76.8 in that category.

Tonight's game is promoted as Military Appreciation Night. We would like to thank those who currently or formerly served and appreciate everything you all have done.

Hailey Van Lith Named to Wooden Award Watch List

Hailey Van Lith is one of 25 players named to the Wooden Award midseason list. She is the lone Louisville Cardinal on the list. HVL is currently averaging 20.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.3 assists per game, and is shooting 83.3% from the free throw line.

She is one of five ACC players to make the list. The other four are Olivia Miles (Notre Dame), Deja Kelly (North Carolina), Elizabeth Kitley (Virginia Tech), and Ta'Niya Latson (Florida State). However, South Carolina's Aaliyah Boston appears to be the current favorite to retain the title from last season.

Walz Weekly Presser

Jeff Walz addressed the media yesterday...fittingly in the KFC YUM! Center Media room, to discuss the upcoming game vs Ga. Tech. As Walz's pressers tend to do, the "20 minutes of Jeff" covered a wide range and variety of Louisville WBB topics. you can see /here it at the link below.  It's worth checking out, even if it's just to see Jeff Walz's new specs. 

Jeff Walz presser 1/4/23

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Will it affect the selfie count? 

Cortnee faces the first WBB squad to hire her. 

Katy will be in attendance for tonight's game. The last time I got her out to a Louisville women's basketball game was a 75-62 victory against Florida State last season. Let's hope her good mojo continues. Thank you to Louisville softball assistant coach Bryce Neal for the tickets! And thank you to the countless others who offered extra tickets.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared