Pregame Notes:
Coach Walz and his Louisville team looked to build off a tough win, as they play their ACC home opener against the Clemson Tigers. The Cards are currently 9-0 and ranked #2 in the country. This game was originally scheduled for noon, but was pushed back 2 hours for reasons unknown. Clemson is currently 8-3 and on a 2-game losing streak. The Cards lead the all time series 8-3.
Starting Lineup:
Dana Evans (20.8ppg, 4.3apg)
Hailey Van Lith (13.2ppg, 6.3rpg)
Mykasa Robinson (3.9rpg, 2.2apg)
Kianna Smith (12.4ppg, 4.5rpg)
Elizabeth Dixon (7.7 ppg, 5rpg)
1st Quarter:
Mykasa and Liz Dixon got the start for Louisville today as the Cards started the game with only 2 players on the bench. A few minutes after the tip, the remaining members of the team joined the bench. Dana Evans picked up 2 fouls in the quarter. The first quarter was a fast paced track meet, with not a lot of scoring. The Cards led 16-14 after the first.
2nd Quarter:
The Cards were able to start the quarter on a mini-run to extend the lead to double figures. However, Clemson was able to muck up the game a lot to cut the lead back into single digits. Dana Evans didn’t play a second in the quarter, but the Cards led 34-26 at the intermission.
Halftime Stats At A Glance:
FG%: 14-31 (45.2%)
3PT%: 4-12 (33.3%)
FT%: 2-2 (100.0%)
Assists: 9
Turnovers: 8
Total Rebounds: 16-22
Leading Scorer: Kianna Smith (9 points)
3rd Quarter:
Dana Evans made her presence known almost immediately in the 3rd, as she hit an early 3 to extend the lead back to double figures for the Cards. The Cards began to assert their dominance over Clemson, as they opened up a 19-point lead. Clemson countered with some full-court pressure and face guarding Evans and Van Lith as the chipped into the lead. The Cards took a 53-40 lead into the final quarter.
4th Quarter:
Elizabeth Balogun got hot and the Cards quickly pushed the lead back to 19 midway through the fourth. The fourth quarter went similar to the first quarter, a lot of running not a lot of scoring. UofL won 70-45.
Final Stats:
FG% 27-59 (45.8%)
3PT% 8-22 (36.4%)
FT% 8-9 (88.9%)
Assists: 18
Blocks: 9
Steals: 9
Turnovers: 16
Total Rebounds: 42-44
Offensive Rebounds: 11-22
Bench Points: 24
Post Game Notes and Leaders:
The Cards are now 10-0 on the season and 3-0 in ACC play. Today’s game was a total team effort for the Cards. Although Balogun didn’t start, she had her best game of the year. Balogun finished the game with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 4 steals. The Cards were led in scoring by Kianna Smith with 17 points. She added 6 assists and 2 rebounds. Olivia Cochran added 9 rebounds and chipped in with 6 points. Dana Evans finished with 10 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds. Clemson didn’t hit a three-pointer the entire game.
Next Opponent:
UofL takes on Boston College Thursday at 8 pm at the YUM Center.
