WNBA Opener -- Mystics Fall short in 4th quarter to Liberty 85-80 -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

WASHNGTON FALLS SHORT IN FOURTH QUARTER TO NEW YORK IN WNBA SEASON OPENER

FOLLOWING the Louisville WNBA players this season in the WNBA will be something I will try to stay fairly regulary with this WNBA season, and on last night's opening night  Tuesday night, Emily Englstler and Myisha Hines-Allen had their squad, the WashIngton Mystics, in action. So did Liz Dixon's Phoenix Mercury. The Mystics will probably be the team I follow the most, since they have two of my favorite Cardinals great on roster in "E" amd "Mooks"

The Mystics ran into a NY Liberty squad that caught fire in the fourth quarter and caught and passed the DC team, doubling up the score on them in the fourth quarter 26-13 and winning 85-80. 

Not much from the Louisville contingent in the opener. Neither Hines-Allen or Engstler drew the start. Emily didnt play at all and Hines-Allen saw just 19 minutes, putting up five points and grabbing five rebounds in the loss. 

Karlie Samuelson and Shikira Austin drew the starts at forward for the Mystics but the former Stanford and Maryland veterans were not all that effective, combining for just 20 points and nine rebounds in 47 total minutes. 

We all kinda figured that Washington's Dolson, Atkins and Sykes might be prominent scorers this season for the Mystics and they held true to form in the season opener. with 59 points between them. 

It was Washington's game to lose after three  quarters, having built up a 67-59 lead after three,,,but let the visitors take over in the fourth quarter. 

In other early, first night action, the Connecticut Sun ruined Caitlin Clark's opener with the Indiana Fever, thumpimg the visiting WNBA Fever squad 92-71.

The other two opening night contests were later affairs. with the Aces and Mercury hookng up and the Lynx and Storm going against each other. The Mercury are without Brit Grinner, who is oit with a toe injury, so we hoped to see a bit of Liz Dixon, who is on the Phoenix roster. Dixon was in a reserve role and saw six minuues, grabbing three rebounds but not scoring. The visiting Phoenix squad fell 89-80 to the two-time champion Las Vegas Aces. The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Storm 83-70. DI star from last year Taylor Soule saw one minute of action for the Lynx in the win. 

I'll agree with several readers here,...it's good to see basketball's bouncing again and some of Jeff Walz's stars from years past out there. Dana Evans and the Chicago Sky get their start tonight against  Dallas at Dallas. Unfortunately, it'll only be shown on You Tube Primetime WNBA League Pass,  a subscription service.. 

paulie

Four Cards on WNBA Rosters -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Mercury, Sky and Mystics have UofL WBB alumnae on rosters. 

With the WNBA scheduled to start Tuesday., let's look at the Louisville Cards WBB players.that are on the teqam rosters in the league.  

Liz Dixon --  Phoenix Mercury. Dixon was a recent addition to the Phoenix squad,brought back on a training game contract. She did play in 10 games with the Mercury back in 2023 and was re-signed again this year, to replace Charisma Osbourne.  She averages 5.6 points per game, and 4.4 rebounds a contest. 

Dana Evans -- Chicago Sky. Dana returs to the Sky this year, her third season in the WNBA. The sharpshooting guard should be an essential part of a roster that had seven guards most recently listed. Here is an interview with her, done on May 10th.  DANA EVANS INTERVIEW

Emily Engstler --  Washington Mystics. Engstler begins her second year in the league. She was originally drafted by Indiana last year. She'l averaged 1.8 points per game last year and 0.6mrebounds. Here is a brief spotlight on her....EMILY ENGSTLER

Myisha Hines-Allen -- Washington Mystics. Hines-Allen enters her sixth season in the WNBA,and was drafted back in 2018, She vaerages 5.6 points per game and 6.4 rebounds.  The Mystics list only four forwards on their roster currently, so we like her chances to see a starting role and a lot of court time. 

We wish all our "Cardinals Forever" the best of luck this season and we're already ready for a little hoops this spring...

paulie. . 

Myshia's Mystics lose Elena Della Donne (again) and to the Sun -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 CONNECTICUT 92 - WASHINGTON 84

It was a double blow for the Washington Mystics Sunday, first, losing Elena Della Donne for second half with an injury to the same ankle that had her on the sidelines for a couple of games, and, secondly, losing (again) to the Connecticut Sun..  

We got the treat of having two Cards WNBA players ion the rosters in the nationally televised matchup between the Washington Mystics and the Connecticut Sun yesterday. Myisha Hines-Allen, who came in for an injured Elena Della Donne, saw 18 minutes for Washington, scored 14 points, hit three of her four three-point attempts and four out of her eight shots overall. Nope, not a misprint, either on the stats... Mooks went 3-4 from beyond the arc. I guess playing all those years with AD at Louisville finally paid off, in terms of long-range bombing. 

The Mystics lost this one in the fourth quarter after leading by one after three quarters. You can't blame MHA for the loss...but the squad scored just 18 points in the final stanza, while the Sun put up 27 points 

On the winner's side, Liz Dixon is on the Connecticut roster. She did not play in the contest...a coach's decision apparently, since we know of no injury to Liz. 

The two Cards greats have the distinction of being on the second (Connecticut) and third (Washington) best teams in the WNBA's Eastern Division and third and fourth best teams overall in the league. 

The Connecticut (14-5) win makes them 3-0 against the Mystics (10-8) this season. Ageless Dewanna Bonner hit six threes in the game for homestanding Connecticut  and had 28 points for Stephanie White's Sun. 

I

It had to be a heart-breaking ordeal for Mystic fans and players to see "E.D.D" leave the court again hobbling after just getting back out there again. Although limited to 13 minutes and not scoring, her leadership on the floor and respect she draws from opponents makes life a lot easier for the rest of the Mystics when she's on the court. She came down on another player's foot with 1:20 left in the first half and did not return. 

The injury was to the same ankle that she had injured earlier this season. No report has been released on the extent of this injury, but E.D.D. was helped off the court by a couple of Mystics.

Here's hoping Liz can start seeing a bit of playing time at Connecticut and Myisha continues to shine 

*********************************************************************************************************

SAILING, SALING,,,

We'll be tossing a few off-sped pitches at you this week, with Jared "on a boat, "%$#@&" -- his honeymoon cruise with wife Katy. They've told me Case will write Tuesday and Jeff Thursday. I just smile and nod. Glad to see the lads showing a bit of planning...

paulie

CARDS in Sunday WNBA Action -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 

FOUR CARDS IN SUNDAY WNBA GAMES

We are fond of following the pursuits of Louisville Cardinals women's basketball players in the WNBA and Sunday had four Cards in action. 

LAS VEGAS ACES 93 - CHICAGO SKY 80

Dana Evans did not start for the Sky, but saw 26 minutes in a loss to the 8-1 Aces. She managed 10 points for Chicago (5-5) and had a team high eight assists for the Sky. Home-standing Las Vegas is atop the Western Conference Standings and A'Ja Wilson had another huge game for Vegas. 

CONNECTICUT SUN 89 - ATLANTA DREAM 77

Two former Cards had the potential to face off in this one -- Liz Dixon (Connecticut) and AD Durr (Atlanta), but Dixon did not see action (a coach's decision). AD came off the bench for ATL and totaled 17 minutes of playing time and nine points. 

The Sun are atop the Eastern Conference with a 8-2 record and the Dream are still struggling a bit in the early season with a 2-5 mark. ATL trailed 48-44 at the half against the visiting Sun, but Connecticut won the decisive 4th quarter 24-17.

WASHINGTON MYSTICS 71 - SEATTLE 65

The visiting Mystics improved to 5-3 on the season with a win over 1-5 Seattle, a game that Washington led 46-21 at the half before coasting in. 

The Mystics are slowly working Myisha Hines-Allen back into the lineup and MHA saw 11 minutes and grabbed six rebounds. She also added a free throw to the Mystics win. The Mystics got the win without Elena Della Donne as well -- who sat with an undisclosed injury. 

Washington will visit Indiana Tuesday and Atlanta heads to New York. 

paulie

WNBA Cards -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Happy hump day readers! 

Its Daryl stepping in with ya midweek.  Bats are in town but Paulie phoned a friend for some back up to get something posted today so you get me to cover the summer Pro Cards.

WNBA

Sky vs Dream

The Chicago Sky visited the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday evening where the Dream led pretty much the entire way and got the 83-65 victory.   The Sky are now 3-2 on the season while Atlanta moves to 2-2.   Both squads are in the middle of the pack in the standings at 5 and 6 respectively.  The Las Vegas Aces are the lone undefeated squad at 4-0... they're averaging an almost 25 point differential over opponents. 

Dana Evans scored 11 points to lead Chicago. Kahleah Copper, Marina Mabrey and Kristine Anigwe each added 10. Sky starters Courtney Williams was 2 of 10 from the field and Elizabeth Williams went 3 for 10.

Rhyne Howard scored 20 points, Allisha Gray and rookie Haley Jones each added 13 points each. AD had a free throw make in 14 minutes.

The Dream made 18 of 24 free throws compared to just 9 of 11 makes for the Sky.

The Dream led 40-25 at halftime after Chicago shot just 28% and turned it over eight times. The Sky finished the game 25 for 77 (33%) with 15 turnovers.

The Sky will head back to Chicago to face the NY Liberty, who stand third in the league standings, Friday at 6pm. 

Also happy belated birthday to Myisha Hines Allen who celebrated her 27th birthday yesterday at the Washington Mystics. They have yet to make their debut with the squad but some say it is getting near...  

Good luck to the Cards!!

Please, if you know anyone who can be a living donor or if you would like more information on how to be a organ donor, please call Madelyn Hunt at the Trager Transplant Center at UofL Hospital (502) 587-4358 option 5. 

As always, Go Cards 

~Daryl 

A WNBA Sunday -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 FEVER HOLD ON AGAINST SKY...MYSTICS HANDLE SUN

A big day for WNBA action on Father's Day, with four Cardinals alumnae in action in the league. 

Dana Evans with the Chicago Sky visiting Emily Engstler and the Indiana Fever.  Myshia Hines-Allen and the Washington Mystics hosting Jaz Jones and the Connecticut Sun. 

(Just imagine what a double-header like this would draw to the KFC YUM! Center).  

SKY VS FEVER

Dana and her 10-5 Chicago Sky came to Indy to take on a Indiana Fever squad that desperately needed a win. And, after being down by 13 at halftime, the Fever fought back and got  the nail-biting win over the visitors 89-87. Courtney Vandersloot missed a jumper that could have tied it up and the Fever had the "W". Indiana improved their record to 5-13. 

"We had a very intense conversation at halftime, to say the least..." Fever head coach Carlos Knox commented after the game. "I wanted them to understand the game plan and I wanted them to pick up their game the way we had prepared for the game." It was Knox's inaugural game as the Fever head coach, you may know him as having been a superstar at IUPUI on their men's team from 1997-99. 

Emily Engstler saw 19 minutes in this one for the Fever and had five points and nine rebounds.  Dana Evans had six minutes for Chicago and had two points and a rebound. 

MYSTICS VS SUN

The home-standing Washington Mystics roared out to a 29-17 lead on the visiting Connecticut Sun and pushed that to a 16-point half-time edge. Washington was on top 61-41 after three. The Sun were not totally giving up the fight and got back within eight points before losing 71-63 to Myisha and the Mystics. Washington improved to 11-7 on the season, while the Sun went to 12-5.

Myisha saw just six minutes in the contest, grabbing a rebound and scoring a bucket. 

For Connecticut, Jaz Jones contributed a scoreless eight minutes. It's good to see Jaz getting some minutes after being with the Sun for such a short time. 

Turnovers plagued the Sun, while Washington committed just four in the first three quarters  

paulie

 

Myisha, Mystics master Minnesota -- FSU pounds Oklahoma in WCWS -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 

MYSTICS 85 - MINNESOTA 81

Myisha Hines-Allen had 18 points last night and Washington put together a 53-38 advantage over the Minnesota Lynx last night in the second and third quarters to down the visiting Lynx. 

As it is with Washington, if Tina Charles has a big game, the Mystics do pretty well, and the former UConn Husky great didn't disappoint the home crowd with 31 points. The two were part of a four-playerd double digit point effort that improved Washington to 3-5 and dropped Minnesota to 3-5.

A 27-18 third quarter edge put DC in the drivers seat 70-56 and they were able to hold on, despite a late rally by the visitors to get the win. 

Guard play is always key in a team's success and Washington got a good effort last night from Ariel Atkins (17 pts.) and Natasha Cloud (11 points) to contribute to the win. 

Charles has had four 30 point plus games this season and leads the WNBA with 25.1 ppg. She's also shooting 48% from the floor. It makes one wonder just how good the Mystics might be if they had Elena Della Donne in the lineup. She's taking things day-to-day, though and hasn't set a date for her comeback.  It also raises the question of how Washington will handle things when she does. Will it put Hines-Allen on the benc h as a reserve, or will Washington play the trio of Charles, Della Donne and Hines-Allen as starters and sit Shavonte Zellous?  

Washington remains home for their next contest, when they bring in the LA Sparks (4-3) Thursday night. 

FSU 8 -- OKLAHOMA 4 

The first game in the WCWS Finals took place last night in Oklahoma City and it was Florida State often and early, bombarding the Sooners 8-4/ 

FSU held a 7-0 lead after the top of the fourth -- a five-run inning helped that explosion -- and I was beginning to wonder if this one might get run ruled. Ex UofL pitcher Danielle Watson  wasn't getting battered by Sooner bats yet and FSU seemed to be having a field day against OU hurler Nicole May. 

The Sooners weren't quite ready to stop playing for the night, though. They went back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the fourth against Watson and added two more in the bottom of the sixth to chase Watson from the circle and make it 7-4. 

Kat Sandercock came in to pitch and to save the day for the ACC school, though, and the Noles picked up a top of the seventh inning run to double the score and take the contest. 

It's interesting to note that each time this year OU has lost a game, the losing streak has stopped there. It happened early in the season against Georgia and most recently in the WCWS against James Madison. A two-game losing streak this time of year equates to your season being over, so the pressure is on the Sooners tonight to "even it up".

We also learned more about the "catcher interference" call by an umpire that most of us knew last night. When the catcher puts her knee down before catching the ball, that does constitute as blocking the plate without possession of the ball. Thus, the obstruction call comes into play.

The runner has to be given an opportunity to reach the plate, and in this case with the knee down without the ball, that is why obstruction was charged to the catcher.

OU came into the WCWS as the #1 seed and now have a 54-4 record. The Noles are 49-11-1 as the #10 seed and the tie came against our Louisville Softball squad -- a matter of travel arrangements necessitating FSU leave Ulmer and head to the airport. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

paulie 

  

LIBERTY, SKY TAKE LOSSES IN WNBA -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HELLO, IT'S ME, AGAIN

Hello, it's me again. (Apologies to Cheap Trick for using the tag line from their great song "Voices" (1979)  

(Link to song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo71pQxvAvc  )

Daryl, who would normally bring you her "Fridays With Daryl" CARDINAL COUPLE article, is covered up with work and putting in more hours than an ice cream vendor on a 100 degree day at a festival, so, we go to the bullpen again and bring in the veteran righty -- Paulie. I heard the "voices in my head" to do the write up, so pull up a seat and grab a coffee. 

 I was bopping back and forth between the NCAA Softball College World Series, WNBA action and the other mysteries of life that can confront a senior citizen yesterday. Since we're all "basketball crazy" here at the Couple, and we had three Cardinals WBB greats toiling last night, that's where we'll go today. 

SKY FALLS TO MERCURY IN OVERTIME

Dana Evans made the quick transition from a Wings jersey to Chicago Sky gear yesterday and joined the squad in Phoenix last night for the late game on the WNBA slate for Thursday. Shaking off jet lag, moving duties and the newness of a different group of teammates, Evans saw nine minutes of play for Chicago and contributed two points in a 77-74 overtime loss to (5-3) home-standing Phoenix. She probably saw Jared's article yesterday indicating she probably wouldn't be able to join the Sky so quick and made a solemn vow to prove "camera boy" wrong. That's my thinking, anyway... 

A new number (#13) for Evans in the Sky jersey and a role which primarily is intended to use her as a back up to Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot. Evans got her two points off free throws in the third quarter last night in a game that featured a high scoring third quarter by Chicago to get them back in the game. The 25 third-quarter points by the Sky gave them  a 51-43 lead, after trailing 34-26 at the half. 

The contest went to overtime, a rally by Phoenix was aided by a technical foul late in the game called on Vandersloot.. The Sky kept it close but couldn't pull off the win, though, in the extra session and they drop to 2-6 on the season. The Sky are a squad that could use some accurate three-point shooting, let's hope their coach, James Wade recognizes that and give Dana the minutes to show what she can do. 

Chicago continues their westward trip with a visit to the LA Sparks on Saturday at 3 p.m. 

ACES DOWN LIBERTY

 

Two more of our Cardinals were on the court as well last night when the New York Liv=berty brought the Las Vegas Aces to Brooklyn. On the court, yes, for Jazmine Jones and Kylee Shook, but not for a lengthy period of time in the Liberty's 94-82 loss to the Aces. 

The Las Vegas squad put this one out of reach early with a 30-16 first quarter output and contained the Liberty the rest of the way to improve to 6-3 on the season. For New York, the loss dropped them to 5-3. 

Kylee drew the start for NYL but saw just five minutes in the contest. Guarding Liz Cambage is a tough-enough assignment for most, but when Las Vegas's  A'ja Wilson goes off for 30 against you and adds 13 rebounds, it turns into a long night. 

Jaz, for her part, did see some first quarter action, but picking up two quick fouls sent her back to the bench after just four minutes and she did not score in the game. 

This NY Liberty team is getting a huge effort out of Rutgers former star Betnijah Laney (23 points, but the guard play suffered last night for the Libs. Sabrina Ionescu managed just five points last night, but did add nine assists. A couple of WNBL Australians in Sami Whitcomb (14 points) and Rebecca Allen (16 points) did what they could for the Libs but Vegas is showing no ill effects from having Angel McCoughtry out for the season. 

Myisha Hines-Allen's Washington Mystics wlll get their chance at knocking off Las Vegas tomorrow when they bring the travelling Aces squad to our nation's capital Saturday. Myisha has had a solid start to her season, after returning from EuroBall in Russia, with a 11 point, 10 rebound effort against the Connecticut Sun and 15 points and 10 rebounds against Indiana, Let's not forget, though, that the Mystics are a squad that looks to Tina Charles first and foremost, Charles has had an eye-popping 59 points in those last two games. 

 

                                            **********************************************

THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR PODCAST

We'll join you tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. for another exciting edition of the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast. I can confidently point to Jeff, Jared and myself as starters for this one, I'm pretty sure Daryl is swamped with Bats duties. As for Case?

Honestly, I've lost track of his week-end commitments, but we'd love to have him available to add a challenge in the resurfaced Cardinal Couple Worldwide Quiz that I'll spring on the crew in the second half of the show. Check his article tomorrow for hints on his status. 

No hints on the topic of the aforementioned quiz, but I hope you'll join us. You can find out more about listening at the Cardinal Couple You Tube site or... just find Jared out taking pictures somewhere and ask him! 

LINK:  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cardinal+couple

Have a fun Friday! 

paulie

Buzzer beater in Bradenton -- Karen Ferguson Dayes Interview -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 SHEY PEDDY'S BOMB BLASTS MYSTICS 85-84

For three quarters last night, the Washington Mystics looked like a team that was going to advance to the WNBA quarter-finals over the Phoenix Mercury. 

Even with Mystics star Myisha Hines-Allen getting a couple of very questionable whistles blown on her and having to sit for stretches in the first and second half because of foul trouble...let's not forget that basketball is a team game and her teammates rallied to keep the Mystics in the lead. That lead looked pretty comfortable after three quarters -- Washington up 70-59. Leilani Mitchell, Ariel Atkins and Emma Messerman were not ready to see their season end. 

I suppose you had to consider that the talents of Phoenix's Diana Taurasi, Skylar-Diggins Smith and Kia Vaughn would eventually make an impact in this contest last night.

The start of the fourth quarter was a nightmare of Freddy Krueger proportions....if you are a Mystics fan. Taurasi and Diggins-Smith started connecting on the three-pointers that had been unsuccessful earlier. Vaughn was controlling the paint. A 17-0 run by Phoenix run early in the fourth not only made up the previous deficit, it propelled the Mercury to a 78-73 lead with a little less than five minutes left in the game. 

Washington, however, roared back. They erased the Phoenix lead. The Mystics fought and scrapped to a 84-82 advantage with 5.9 seconds left after Mitchell nailed a free throw. 

One chance for the Mercury to tie or even win.  

Using a time-out to advance the ball to their part of the court, the sequence played out to where Shey Peddy had the ball in the corner. Mitchell came flying at her to try and block a game-winning three attempt. Mitchell flew by. Peddy composed herself and launched the prayer. 

Shot, flight, a game-ending light illuminates on the back-board and...

The ball goes in. 

Phoenix advances to play Minnesota Thursday night. 

It may be tough for Mystics fans (like myself) to watch the sequence again, but....here it is:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1306070990825369601

Myisha ends her 2020 season with 11 points, nine rebounds and a heart as big as Texas. I still think she's the M.I.P. (most improved player) in the league. I'm proud of her, her accomplishments and her voice for social justice. The post-player who thought she was a point-guard at UofL has shown us all what someone can do if they are given a chance.

                                               -----------  

In the other play-in-game to the quarters, the Sun eliminated the Sky.

No, that's not a meteorological revelation or occurrence...it means Connecticut wins 94-81 over Chicago to advance and face the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday. Truth be told, there were no Cardinals involved and I only caught about the last three minutes of this one. 

                                         ******************

Be sure to check back here tomorrow, as I have an interview scheduled with Louisville head women's soccer coach Karen Ferguson Dayes that I'll be posting. 

We'll discuss the Louisville WSOC squad's upcoming season-opener at Miami (FL) tomorrow night, how the squad has looked in preparation, the upcoming season and basically anything else Coach has on her mind. I'll follow up on my request to go to Miami as a senior, senile and scatter-brained scribe. I don't think I've heard anything yet, but...it seems, I forget a lot more these days than I used to. 

NOTE:

This interview was scheduled for today (Wednesday) but moved to Thursday afternoon...I'll add it to Jared column tomorrow. 

paulie

                                                                 

WNBA RECAP -- MYISHA KEEPS MYSTICS ALIVE -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 MYISHA GOES FOR 30 IN MYSTICS WIN

Amidst all the Thursday night football options, Myisha Hines-Allen decided to take over the WNBA last night and her 30-point effort led the Washington Mystics to a 80 -72 win over the LA Sparks. 

I don't think there is much doubt she is the most improved player in the WNBA this season and her 30-point, eight rebound effort in 35 minutes kept the Mystics in the hunt for the eighth and final playoff spot in the WNBA. 

It was Myisha sinking threes, going coast-to-coast for buckets and pounding in the paint for scores in the Washington win. Trailing 45-39 at the half to the Sparks, Hines-Allen and her team-mates unleashed a 23-12 third-quarter on the L.A. squad and took a 62-57 lead that they would not relinquish the rest of the way.

For Washington, it pretty much breaks down to this:  with two games left to play in the regular season, two wins would have them in the playoffs, unless the Dallas Wings win their final two games. Dallas holds the tie-breaker between the two, having won both previous matches. 

Washington plays the New York Liberty on Saturday and then Atlanta on Sunday. It should be noted that Atlanta is looking to capture that final playoff spot also and is one game back of Dallas and Washington at 6-14. The Wings finish with Chicago tonight and the New York Liberty Sunday. 

                                                 *****

Speaking of the Liberty, the New York squad gave the Indiana Fever all they wanted for three quarters last night but could not seal the deal in the fourth -- losing 85-75.  

This one was tied 62-62 after three quarters.  

Jazmine Jones was returned to the lineup (maybe Walt Hopkins figured out that another almost-30 point loss wouldn't be much fun) and Jaz responded with nine points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes. Kylee Shook saw nine minutes and had two points, that ankle most likely still a bit sore.

New York has the opportunity to be a spoiler in their final two games of the year -- facing Washington Saturday and Dallas Sunday. A win for New York over either or both opponents could put a dent in Washington or Dallas' playoff hopes. 

                                                  *****

Angel and the Aces entertained Minnesota last night and the Lynx kept it interesting for a half before Las Vegas tossed a 25-15 third quarter at them and went on to win 104-89.

Angel McCoughtry had 22 points and eight rebounds in just 17 minutes for the Aces, who remain a game back of league leading Seattle. 

Las Vegas could take the regular season championship if they win their final two games and get the #1 seed in he playoffs. The task, though, is formidable -- with Los Angeles on Saturday and Seattle on Sunday. 

19 YEARS AGO

Let us never forget that 19 years ago, on September 11th., our nation was shocked and attacked during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Do you remember where you were? 

I was working and had stopped into a pharmacy to get a ink-pen, of all things, mine had ended up in the hands of the previous client I had visited. I walked in and noticed several people gathered around the checkout counter watching a portable TV. 

(Yes, friends...that was when were still able to get television without cable, dishes or internet)

The first plane had already crashed into the World Trade Center and, as I watched, a second came along and did the same to the remaining tower. It was 9:00 a.m. when I entered, 9:04 when the second attack hit and I never did get that ink pen. Instead, I decided I was going home to watch the rest of the coverage. I remember thinking while I was driving home, listening to the radio coverage...how could this happen, was it over? and why... 

2977 lost their lives. Remember them today, and every day. 

 

paulie 

 

Kouzelos Named Top 10 Goalkeeper -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 Kouzelos Named Top 10 Goalkeeper

Gabby Kouzelos was named a Top 10 Goalkeeper for the 2020 season by Top Drawer Soccer.  The senior has been the starting goalkeeper for the last three seasons for the Cards.

She is one of three ACC goalkeepers to make the Top 10 list, joining Laurel Ivory from Virginia and Claudia Dickey from North Carolina.

Kouzelos led the Cards to a 13-5-2 record last season that featured a second round appearance in the NCAA Tournament.  She recorded a career-high 51 saves and recording 10 shutouts while posting an incredible 0.87 goals against average- ranking second all-time in program history.

"She may not have the stereotypical goalkeeper frame, but she makes up for any concerns there with good positioning and sharp shot-stopping reflexes.  Unafraid to come off her line and stand up strong, she's one of the more underrated goalkeepers in DI women's soccer.  After the 2019 season she earned All-ACC Second Team honors.  In her three seasons with the Cardinal[s], she's played every single game when healthy." -Top Drawer Soccer.

We at Cardinal Couple are familiar with Gabby.  She's always been a fun interviewee, providing plenty of insight while also being able to handle Paulie's witty humor. Below, a link with "the Gabs" after a win over Clemson. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v1y5xCaMfs

On the pitch, Kouzelos can often be heard as the loudest voice.  She commands the team with assertion and will often find herself near midfield to help coach on offense.

One of the many reasons we will see a highly successful 2020 season, for the few matches that they can play, is because of Kouzelos' leadership and skills.

WNBA: Mystics Down Dream

A huge night for UofL WBB great Myisha Hines-Allen last night as the Washington Mystics downed two-win Atlanta 98-91.

"Doo-blay" went for 23 points, and was 10-14 from the floor! She also nailed three-three pointers. Myisha came into the game with just six "makes" from beyond the arc for the season. 

Washington led 78-63 going into the fourth quarter and was able to hold off a late Atlanta run to improve to 4-7. The win broke the Mystics seven-game losing streak.

Also huge for the Mystics was rookie Stella Johnson. The Rider U. graduate had 25 points and hit six three-pointers for Washington in the first start of her career. I expect she'probably won herself a starting role with that performance.   

Katy is Here!

The best news in a while for me is Katy's arrival to Louisville.  After 3 1/2 years of long distance dating we finally will be living in the same town.

I'll help her move onto Louisville Presbyterian Seminary's campus bright and early today and will no longer worry about the long trips to Florida State or her home in South Carolina.

Although Katy is a bit camera shy I'm sure I can get her to pop on Skype to say a few words Saturday Saturday morning.

Continue to stay safe and healthy, everyone!

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared

Mystics, Hines-Allen go to 2-0 in win over Sun -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HINES-ALLEN GOES FOR 16 IN D.C. WIN

Positive stories in 2020 haven't been very plentiful lately, but Myisha Hines-Allen is rapidly becoming one. 

She scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the Washington Mystics 94-89 win over the Connecticut Sun last night in the "wubble" in Bradenton, FL. 

Things started well for Hines-Allen and DC, jumping out to an early 26-20 first quarter lead. The Mystics were hustling, Hines-Allen one of three Mystics who had a steal in the first ten minutes. F

Fifth-year player Aerial Powers was having a big night for the defending WNBA champs also. Powers ended up leading the Mystics with 27 points.

Connecticut, however, wasn't ready to head back to their bus and leave the sound-stage this early. The Sun got hot and, aided by nine DC turnovers and 13 fouls, gained a 52-48 lead as the teams reached halftime.  

The Mystics needed a big start to the third quarter and they got it. Back-to-back threes from Powers and Hines-Allen early in the quarter pushed Washington to a 59-56 lead and DC still was up 76-71 as the third quarter ended. 

Using the "if it worked once - let's try it again" philosophy, Washington came out hot again to start the fourth quarter and built the lead to 15. The Sun was not ready to go down yet, though and behind DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas battled back to get within two with 30 seconds to play. DC got a bit of luck when Thomas missed a layup to tie it and the Sun was slow to foul Washington's Leilani Mitchell who came up with the loose ball. She eventually hit a free throw and a late bucket gave Washington the five-point victory. 

Hines-Allen was a force from the opening tip....taking the defenders off the dribble, working the inside-out game well, getting steals, nailing threes and leading the Mystics in rebounding. Back in her Louisville playing days, we used to tease Myisha that she was really a guard trapped in a power forward's body. Maybe we had something there...

Washington is now 2-0 and returns to action Thursday night when they'll face Seattle in a 6 p.m. match. ESPN will have the contest. 


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Wednesday Night WNBA actions features three more Cardinals in back-to-back games.

Action starts at 7 p.m. when Phoenix and Indiana both try to get their first win of the young season. At 8 p.m., the New York Liberty (Kylee Shook, Jazmine Jones) take on the Dallas Wings on CBS Sports Network. Closing out Wednesday action, Las Vegas (Angel McCoughtry) faces the 1-0 Atlanta Dream.  

Angel goes against her old teammates in the 10 p.m. showdown and this one will be on the CBS Sports Network as well. You may want to catch a nap this afternoon so you can stay up for both these televised games that feature Louisville WBB Cardinal greats. 

Have a wonderful WNBA Wednesday!


paulie
xxxxx

WNBA Begins Saturday -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FOUR CARDINAL WBB STARS TAKE TO THE COURT THIS WEEKEND

For those of us who enjoy and follow the WNBA pursuits, the wait is almost over. Opening weekend begins tomorrow for the WNBA -- with three games on Saturday and three on Sunday. 


Kicking off the action are the New York Liberty vs. the Seattle Storm. This match-up included two Cardinal WBB greats in Kylee Shook and Jazmine Jones. They'll be a part of a Liberty squad that tries to get an opening game win against 2018 WNBA MVP Brenna Stewart and her Seattle Storm teammates. The contest is slated to be shown on ESPN and a noon start time (ET). The Liberty are without Asia Durr but have #1 draft pick Sabrina Ionescu.


Next up, at 3 p.m. on ABC a west-coast battle in the IMG Academy "dome" between the L.A. Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury. You want All-Star talent on the court? How about Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner on the court. 

The final Saturday contest will put the Indiana Fever up against the defending champion Washington Mystics. Cardinal Myisha Hines-Allen plays for the Mystics. Game coverage switches to CBS Sports Network and a 5 p.m. tip-off is scheduled.


The remaining six teams in the WNBA get it started on Sunday. 

The noon game puts 2019 WNBA runner-ups Connecticut against the Minnesota Lynx. This one is an ESPN game.

Our Angel McCoughtry is up after that, as she and the Las Vegas Aces face the Chicago Sky. You can follow the Aces and Angel on ABC. 3 p.m. is the schedule start time for this one.

Closing out weekend action is the Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream. We go back to CBS Sports Network for the finale and 5 p.m. is the scheduled start.  

Certainly, the WNBA appreciates the televised coverage, but one has to slightly shake one's head at the "cover-all" bingo approach with bouncing back and forth between the various networks and channels. Advertising revenues are certainly appreciated  by the league, though, since the fan base isn't a factor in the season yet...so I guess we should be happy that there is coverage. Just getting to watch some exciting basketball far outweighs having to have the remote handy. 

Best of luck to our Cardinals and their squads in the games and we'll certainly miss seeing Asia Durr perform for the Liberty. We wish Asia the best as she recoups, recovers and readies herself for a return to the hardwood after contracting COVID-19. 

Here's hoping all goes well in this new experiment for the league.  WNBA Tip-Off 2020 is one we'll probably remember for a long time because of the nature, circumstances, situation and precautions -- at least the league isn't cancelled or being put off until winter. 2020 has been weird. 

Like you, I'll miss the fan bases at the games. But, with the way things are these days, it's just something we have to get used to until things get better. 

Here's a fun thought to ponder. 

If you could build a WNBA team of former Cardinal WBB players, who would be on it? 11 UofL players you'd want on that roster? 

 I'll offer Asia Taylor, Asia Durr, Arica Carter, Angel McCoughtry, Kylee Shook, Sam Fuehring, Myisha Hines-Allen, Jazmine Jones, Jazz Covington, Monique Reid and Candyce Bingham. Your thoughts? 



Leave your roster in the comments section. 

Have a fantastic Friday!


paulie
xxxxx 

Cards in WNBA -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HOW ARE ASIA, ASIA AND MYISHA DOING SO FAR?


Former UofL WBB stars Asia Taylor, Asia Durr and Myisha Hines-Allen are the three active Cardinals participating in the WNBA currently. Angel McCoughtry is probably out for the season with Atlanta, so we hope ice cream sales are good for her and we'll hope she comes back to the league next year with that McCoughtry magic we've come to know and love.

There were rumors back in June that the Dream were looking to trade her but head coach Nikki Collen shot those down. For what it's worth, this is the second time McCoughtry and Collen have crossed paths...she was at Louisville as an assistant on her husband Tom's staff, then a radio analyst when Angel was a freshman and sophomore for the Cards. McCoughtry blossomed into the star she is after the Collen's departed for Arkansas.

McCoughtry has been a crowd favorite and about the only hope Atlanta has had since she's been there. Numerous coaches, sweeping roster changes over the years -- Angel even played on the same team as Shoni at one point in time -- and Angel has remained the drawing card. And they want to trade her? The Atlanta management needs to wake up. 

The Washington Mystics have Myisha on their roster and they are currently in second place in the Eastern Division with a 11-6 record...one game back of the Connecticut Sun. She has seen action in 14 games as a reserve and get about 8.4 minute per game. She averages 1.9 points a night and 2.5 rebounds. Her season scoring high came against Connecticut back on May 25th., when she totaled eight points.

The New York Liberty are the home team for Asia Durr. New York is 8-10 on the season and four games out of first place in the Eastern division. "Nite-Nite" has had some groin issues lately and  has been sitting out recently, but she has started in 13 of her 14 contests and plays about 30 minutes a game. She averages 11.1 points per game, is shooting 46.7% from the floor and has 10 steals. Her single game scoring high is 20 against Minnesota on June 12th.



Asia Taylor started the season with the Indiana Fever but was released by them. The Minnesota Lynx picked her up around the 4th of July and she's played in seven games for them with no starts. Averaging 2.4 points a contest, her season high came against Chicago on July 18th. when she scored 13 points. She started her WNBA career with Minnesota back in 2014 and played with three other WNBA squads before returning to the Lynx. 

Taylor's major successes have come in Australia since graduation. She's consistently ranked as one of the top five players in "the land down under" .

Here at Cardinal Couple we keep a running log of how these players are doing and you can find it over on the right side of the site. We go back about a month. 


Have a marvelous Monday!

Paulie