Ferguson-Dayes receives honor...Strong leaving?/Cards going...One final look at the UofL v.UK WBB game

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TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Karen Ferguson-Dayes selected Northeast Coach of the Year.

-Football Cards headed to Charlotte...Charlie headed to College Station?

-(We promise) A final look at the UofL vs. UK WBB game.

The University of Louisville's head women's soccer coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes has been named the NSCAA/Mondo Regional Coach of the Year for the NCAA Northeast Division. She was also the BIG EAST Coach of the Year..so the trophy case in the Ferguson-Dayes living room is getting crowded.

Ferguson-Dayes led the Cards to 14 wins this year and to the third round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the Cards furthest foray into soccer's BIG DANCE. Louisville was also the champs of the BIG EAST's National Division this season and lost in the finals of the BIG EAST Tournament to West Virginia.  

Christine Exeter was BIG
EAST Player of the Year.

Dayes has a talented team returning next season, headed up by Christine Exeter...who will be a junior next year. Exeter was BIG EAST Player of the Year and scored 14 goals on the season. Last year, Exeter was the BIG EAST Rookie of the Year.

The Cards will miss goalie Chloe Kiefer, who graduates next spring, but Dayes has recruited well and should be well-prepared to battle tough BIG EAST opponents and a traditionally tough and demanding non-conference schedule.

Ferguson-Dayes got her 100th. career win in the regular season final game against Cincinnati.

Speculation amongst some fans early in the season about the Cards centered around the girls' slow start to the season and what to do about it. The Cards were 1-4-2 early on against a strong non-conference slate. Sometimes, it takes a team a while to jell...and Ferguson-Dayes got this group running on all eight cylinders when BIG EAST conference play rolled around.

Congratulations to Karen and the UofL Women's Soccer team on their outstanding individual and team accomplishments this year!

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It seemed like the terms "Louisville football" and "coaching departures" were interchangeable back in the prior decade. Both John L. Smith and Bobby Petrino left the program for more (in their opinion) lucrative opportunities. Howard Schnellenberger flew the coop (which caused UofL to hire a "coop" - Ron Cooper) in the mid-nineties. He regrets leaving - even to this day. (Schnellenberger, not Cooper.)

Now, fans are full of innuendo that current football head coach Charlie Strong might be a obtainable target for the Texas A&M football program. This happening while the Cards prepare for a Dec. 27th. bowl game in Charlotte, N.C. against N.C. State.

Clearly, Strong would be a good choice for the Aggies. He has tons of SEC experience and recruits well in the SEC stronghold of Florida. The A&M program is headed to the SEC. He's taken the Cards to bowl games in his first two years as a head coach...a coaching job he waited over 20 years to receive. The Aggies need a head coach after dumping theirs.

"Who said I'm leaving? I got Teddy for
three more years and a tough-ass defense."

Will he go? We don't think so. He's not the job-jumping, eye-always-open job philanderer that Bobby Petrino is. He's not the foolish decision maker that John L. Smith was...thinking he could compete in BIG TEN football with Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan. Charlie and his family like Louisville. Charlie has stated many times that he wants to put his mark on Cardinal Football. So, the question is....do you want to be a coach of a team that is young, getting better and plays before 55,000 fans or the coach of a team, faced with rebuilding...that may get 70,000 in the seats if the team is winning...but is headed to the toughest conference in college football? WE think he'll see the light and stay.

We hope we're right.

It's probably just one of many future attempts by other college football programs to pilfer Strong from the Cardinal ranks. Just say, no...Mr. Strong..and call "the Pipe" or "Johnelle" if you need any career changing advice. Stay strong, Charlie. Stay a Cardinal.

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The Louisville women's basketball team returns to action Saturday in the KFC YUM! Center to face 0-7 Gardner Webb. For some Cardinal fans, that can't happen soon enough. A chance to wash away the bitter taste of a 20 point drubbing by non-conference opponent Kentucky. A chance to see a probable lopsided, blowout win by the Cards.

We understand the frustrations some fans are feeling about the loss to UK. We were there...and it got a little frustrating and depressing at times during the game. We don't think it's the end of the world and demise of the Cardinal basketball program, though. Sometimes, teams have off performances. UK had six days to prepare for the game - Louisville three. UK threw everything they had into keeping the Louisville guards...especially Shoni...from being able to create and maneuver. Not everybody, in fact...hardly anybody...left on the Lady Cards schedule can play that kind of pressure defense. We'll watch with interest on how UK does against strong ACC affiliated Duke and BIG EAST's Notre Dame.

UK better than the Lady Vols this year? Hard
to convince us otherwise.

The Lady Cards will bounce back. Too much pride and things on the line not to.

UK may just be the best team in the SEC this season. Hard to convince us otherwise right now, after watching Tennessee play a couple of times and not seeing any other powerhouses in the remaining SEC schools. No disgrace in losing to a better opponent, and UK clearly was on Sunday. Learn from it, Lady Cards, and improve because of it. Develop a killer mentality.

And, rebound. Literally... 
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Jenny's take on UofL vs. UK game...David's view on contest...We look at the numbers

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MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Jenny O'Bryan: "I still believe in my Lady Cards."

-David Watson: "Send out a search party, Lady Cards' heart is missing"

-UK out rebounds Cards by nine

-Some of your reactions and responses...

WE start a soggy Monday's column with CARDINAL COUPLE writer Jenny O' Bryan's review of yesterday's 20-point Louisville loss:

Let me just start by saying that the most beautiful thing that happened Sunday was the violinist playing the National Anthem. In my section of the Coliseum there was hushed, almost whispered reverent singing. It was beautiful.

Things went terribly down hill from there. I won't belabor the point Louisville flat got out-played. They did. Sure, there was poor officiating. I did not like any of the walk calls, except for one. There was some rough, physical play early on that there were no calls on. I wish I could blame it all on the refs, but that is not reasonable.

I am not sure our Lady Cards ever really showed up in Lexington today, except Becky Burke and Bria Smith. Shoot, I am not even sure Coach Walz showed up. The coach I know and that I sit behind at the KFC YUM!Center surely would have gotten a technical called on him for the poor officiating going on. Where was he at, where was the pleading for the kids' case? I did not see him. 

We were out rebounded, out scored by the UK starters and out scored by UK's bench. The only stat we controlled was steals. Turnovers were even. But even then, we were beat in points scored off of turnovers. 

Bria Smith had a lot of turnovers today. More than I can remember in games past. That being said, I remain convinced she is going to be a star for years to come for this program. I imagine a more settled player as conference play begins. 

Bria Smith (left) had the best outing of
the three freshmen Sunday

Becky Burke seems determined to make the most of her senior year. She is giving Walz a lot of consistency, points and leadership on the court. I could not be happier for her. 

I continue to say that our girls are better than they are playing. At some point - one has to stop and ask this:

Are they really better than they are playing? Perhaps, I have a higher opinion of them than is warranted?

At the end of the day, I still believe in my Lady Cards. I am still a crazy fan of this program and these girls. Today, I still believe they are better as a whole than they are displaying on the court.

I'm not booking that flight to Denver quite yet, though.

(Jenny O' Bryan is a contributing writer for CARDINAL COUPLE. She makes some very good points about the effort from Louisville on Sunday. Didn't seem like the Lady Cards wanted it enough at times. Success is gained by following through on your dreams with preparation,  hard work and effort. Not a successful day for UofL.)

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Next, we hear from CARDINAL COUPLE Special Correspondent David Watson.)

Around 3:15 yesterday afternoon, MR. REALITY got out of his recliner chair, shuffled over to his cell phone, punched in a few digits and got connected with the visitor's locker room in Memorial Coliseum. His words to a bunch of dejected Lady Cards went as follows:

"Dear Lady Cards. Thanks for two hours of less-than-motivational basketball. You are not a top ten team. You are questionable as a top 25 team. Your effort today reminded me of my youngest son sullenly plodding out to cut the yard on a steamy 95 degree afternoon in mid-summer. No motivation, and a surly attitude toward taking care of the task at hand. You speak of not being prepared for your assignment. Yeah, you nailed that one right on the head. It's time to either use your fresh loss to a very good team as motivation to come out and play 40 minutes of basketball..or go back into the house, drink lemonade and cue up Call of Duty II on your gaming device. I'd tell you that a lot of fans are frustrated and disappointed with your effort today...but it seems you're having hearing problems and I've got other calls to make. Someone's got to make calls...the referees in Memorial certainly weren't....unless you were in the white uniform. Have a safe trip home." 

Next, MR. REALITY placed a call to the desk sergeant at the Louisville Metro Police UofL station: 

"Sir, I'd like to report something missing. It's the University of Louisville's women's basketball team's heart. Should I organize and send out a search party? Is Detective Colombo still taking cases? It was last seen November 29th. near the KFC YUM Center. No, I don't think it's a case of potential homicide or kidnapping. I think they just lost it and I'm not sure where one would begin the search. What's that? Identifying features? Well, it's red and black, walks proudly around in front of 12,000 or so people and answers to the name of Passion. Thank you, sergeant. Yes, I'll wait by the phone for results."

Finally, MR. REALITY called 411 to get the number for Jeff Walz. The call went to voice mail...so MR. REALITY left a message.

"Hi, Coach. MR REALITY here. So, what just happened here? I'm afraid I must have dozed off. I had this horrible dream that a certain basketball team with loads of potential took a short road trip and had a horrible time. They couldn't defend anyone, took questionable shots, got out-hustled and played like they didn't care what the final outcome would be. Sorry, I dozed off, Coach. Give me a call back and tell me what I missed this afternoon. Go Cards!"  

Satisfied that he has done what was needed, MR. REALITY returned to his recliner after popping in a DVD of the 2011 UofL vs. UK WBB game.

Walz's Cards have five days before they return to action. A beleaguered Gardner Webb team (0-7) comes to visit the Downtown Arena. They've faced some good competition. It's murdered them. Duke 97-31. North Carolina 109-44. Southern Cal 82-41. Even Wofford beat them by eight. The Lady Cards go from a Sunday afternoon meal that caused indigestion to a plate full of cupcakes. How will they respond?

Only Walz and his young group of charges can answer that. And, it's not so much about the poor effort in this last particular game...it's about finding a leader, a go-to, gotta have it, I'll get it done person. It's about a team that supposedly found unity and harmony on a summer excursion taking a good, hard look at themselves and asking the question:

Are we satisfied with where we are right now?

No one expected this Lady Cards team to go undefeated. No one has already penciled them in for a spot at the NCAA Women's Final Four in the Pepsi Center in Denver. Right now, the Lady Cards...though..might want to take a big swig of Club Soda or Pepto-Bismol and get rid of the indigestion that has a lot of people questioning whether they can stomach big games against big opponents. They obviously serve Pepsi in the Pepsi Center in Denver. It would help wash down the humble pie you ate yesterday.

 MR. REALITY will be watching and waiting. Pass the corn chips and dip. 

(David Watson is a Special Corespondent for CARDINAL COUPLE. He also doubles as a gastroentonologist.)

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A review of the stat sheet shows us that, although the score board shows a 20 point UK win, the Cards weren't totally dominated, and won...in several areas.

-Louisville won the steals column 10-7

-Both teams had 26 turnovers. Way too high, in each case, but equal.

-Louisville shot 70% from the free throw line (7-10). UK was 16-23 for 69.6%

-The Cards had 30 points in the paint...UK 24.

-Louisville narrowly lost the points off turnovers battle 26-25. Both teams had six points off fast breaks.

The areas which ultimately did the Cards in:

-2nd chance points...UK 24, Louisville 10

-Rebounds...UK, by  a 34-25 margin.

-Shooting %...the Cats went 24-51 for 47.1%. UofL went 21-54 for 38.9%

-Bench play. UK with 19 points (no player with more than six - Brittany Henderson led the Cats with that number). UofL 12 (nine of those from Monique Reid).

This stat is telling. The other six Cardinals off the bench besides Reid produced only three points in a combined 54 out of 200 total minutes...Jude Schimmel with two late and a Sherrone Vails free throw. 

For the Cards, all twelve that made the trip played. Scoring saw Shoni with 17, Burke 11, Smith 10, Reid 9, Jude, Sara and Cierra with 2 and Vails 1. No points from Asia, Shelby, Shawnta, or Antonita.

Minutes played...Shoni 37,Burke 30, Reid 28 (a season high for her), Smith 26, Warren 16 (with 4 fouls), Jude 14, Vails 11, Harper 10, Hammond 9 (with four fouls), Taylor 8, Dyer 6 and Slaughter 5.  

Reid led Louisville in rebounding with eight. Shoni and Hammond had four each.

On paper, this one doesn't appear to be as bad as it was. Even Matthew Mitchell. UK head coach, commented after the game that the 20 point win was misleading, the contest was closer than that.

UK had the most important stat, though...and that was 74 points. They held Louisville to 54...the Lady Cards lowest point total of the year.

No need to cry over spilled milk or throw the baby out with the bath water. Tear off the rear view mirror and move on, Lady Cards. Still plenty of basketball to be played this year and chances for redemption. Sometimes, there is opportunity out of defeat...so learn and grow from this setback...

And grab more rebounds.

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We appreciate the e-mails you've been sending us about the game yesterday.
Let's review a few. Right this way, no photos please and follow the yellow stripe on the sidewalk below you...

Several of you are upset with the lack of Louisville women's rebounding. So is Coach Walz. He has been most of the season. WE expected better, here at Cardinal Couple. WE sincerely hope it's a work in progress that gets completed soon. No I-64 bridge scenario needed here...

A couple of you are taking Coach Walz to task for not throwing a fit and getting technical fouls or tossed from yesterday's game over officiating. Ask yourself a question...would that have honestly done any good at all ? These were referees that the Lady Cards probably won't see much of, if at all...the rest of the year. They certainly weren't going to walk over to Jeff and say..."Yes, you're right. I'll change the call immediately! Coach, here's the whistle...you call the rest of the game. I'm going for bagels, a walk around campus and coffee." There is no perfect officiating. Anymore, seems like there is very little good officiating. You don't lose games over it. You don't win games over it.
And...I assure you Walz has lost none of his fire and passion for the game. WE were sitting by the Louisville bench. HE blistered the team several times during timeouts. We heard the halftime speech peeled a little paint off the walls...as well. The kids just weren't responding yesterday. It happens. These aren't the Celtics or Packers.

A few e-mails on Jenny's column. One encouraging her not to give up hope in the Cards. Another asking what kinds of drugs she's on. (Probably a UK fan.) Both were anonymous. Probably from the V Foundation and Victoria Dunlap. 

And, one asking what else Walz said in his post-game comments to the press. One line I loved, concerning the rivalry...was that he didn't hate UK. His dad played football there. (Might check "pops" for any remaining eligibility, Joker Phillips..you need all the help you can get.)

Also, when questioned what he had to do to "fix" lack of motivation in players...he stopped, paused and chuckled...commenting that if any coach could figure out how to do that, they'd be world famous. Maybe Shoni Schimmel was on the right track when she suggested that it might begin in practice. We know Shoni doesn't have any lack of motivation or energy. She'd probably have stayed on the floor at Memorial Coliseum until 3 a.m. trying to shoot the Lady Cards back into it. Wouldn't hurt a few current players to watch "Off The Rez" again and see what real adversity and hardship is about.

The Cards have five days of practice ahead before Gardner Webb. Let's see what develops. Step back from the ledge, take a deep breath and remember...it's only December 5th. (and Santa is still watching to see if you're naughty or nice.)
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Kentucky wins WBB Battle of the Bluegrass 74-54

CARDINAL COUPLE SPECIAL REPORT:

-Early first half run propels Cats to 20 point win.

Cards stand for the National Anthem

Kentucky used a 15-1 first half run that spanned six minutes to pull away from the Lady Cards Sunday and went on to win big in Lexington in front of 7951 fans.

A Becky Burke three pointer with 13:14 in the first half had Louisville down just by one at 10-9. At the 7:29 mark, a Kastine Evans layup pushed the score to 25-10 UK. Louisville was plagued by five turnovers in the stretch and could not hit a basket in six attempts in the stretch. UK led by 14 at 30-16 with 5:28 left after a layup by Bra'Shey Ali and would go in up 40-23 at the half.

Actually, the Cards looked good for the first three minutes of the game...up 6-2 after a Cierra Warren tip-in at the 17:12 mark. After that...not so good.

Louisville was led by Burke's seven first half points...with Bria Smith adding six and Shoni Schimmel's five. Cierra Warren played just nine first half minutes because of foul trouble and other starter Sara Hammond saw just six minutes due to fouls. Louisville had 15 first half turnovers, compared to UK's 11 and trailed in the rebounding battle 17-15. A key stat was 2nd chance points...where UK held a 14-6 advantage.

The Cards needed to come out strong in the second half and go to the boards with authority...plus improve upon a first half 33.3% shooting number (8-24). UK blistered the nets for 15-29 first half shooting for 51.7% and went 6-9 from three point range....A'dia Mathies going 3-3 from deep for nine of her ten first half points.

It didn't happen for Louisville, though.

The Cards fell behind 44-23 in the second twenty minutes before a brief rally, capped off by a Shoni Schimmel layup off a steal at the 17:27 mark cut the UK lead to 46-32. The Cats responded with a Bria Goss three, though and pushed it back out to 50-34 with 15 minutes left. A Shoni three got Louisville back within 13 at the 14:42 mark...but the Cards would get no closer the rest of the way.

Kentucky stretched it out to 62-42 with 9:02 left on a three by Kastine Evans and still led 66-46 after a Shawnta Dyer foul put Brittany Henderson on the line to cash-in two free throws with 4:01 to go. UK largest lead came with 1:27 left at 74-50 on a Maegan Conwright layup....Louisville got two late layups by Schimmel to finish the game's scoring.

Disappointing and puzzling both...this Cardinal loss. Louisville did not do a great job on the boards...losing that battle 34-25 (15-11 on the offensive boards). Kentucky enjoyed a large advantage from the foul line...going 16-23 compared to Louisville's seven for ten chances.

Louisville never seemed to get fully motivated and fired up for today's game. For offense, the Cards relied on Shoni again...11 more shots than the closest Cardinal teammate and finishing with 17 points. Becky Burke added 11 for the Cards and Bria Smith finished with 10. Monique Reid was held to nine points in 28 minutes and left the game for good with 4:14 to go after taking a hard blow to the head on the Memorial floor and laying motionless for a minute. She went off the court under her own power. It was the only time Memorial was quite all afternoon.



Cardinal bench watches dejectedly in second half.

 A'dia Mathies fueled the Cats with 20 and Samantha Drake had a big game inside against the Cards with three for five shooting and four for four from the stripe...giving her 10 points. 

The Cats four guard lineup seemed a step faster and more eager to get into the transition game than the Lady Cards...Walz tried Shelby Harper for seven first half minutes and Jude Schimmel for 14 minutes in the second half to try and keep up with the Cats...but UK's main four guards (Mathies, Goss, Amber Smith and Evans) accounted for 45 of UK's points and 12 assists...two more assists than Louisville had for the game.

WHAT WE LIKED TODAY:

Not much to glow about here...

- Cards had 10 steals for the game, three more than UK. Shoni led the way with four.

-Jude Schimmel logged an impressive 14 second half minutes for the Cards today. No fouls, no turnovers... a rebound, basket and assist during her time on the court.

-Mo had nine rebounds (five on the defensive end) for Louisville. More than Cierra Warren, Sara Hammond, Asia Taylor, Shawnta Dyer and Sherrone Vails COMBINED.

Things to improve on: 

-Turnovers. Even though both teams had 26...Louisville's seemed to come at the most inopportune times...18-22 is what Walz seemed resigned to, they surpassed that today against the ball-hawking UK guards. 

-Playing with intensity. At times, the Cards looked confused, scared and other times almost dis-interested and un-affected by the court activities.

-Threes. A dismal 5-19. Jude 0-1, Burke 2-6 and Shoni 3-12. Need more of those to fall.

So...what started as high hopes for a Louisville Sunday win against the in-state rival will now be looked at as a drubbing by a talented non-conference opponent.

A loss that saw a girl from Louisville Iroquois (Mathies) start a fire and burn the Cards at the stake - plus a passed over center from Bardstown (Drake)exact revenge on a taller Cardinal front line. Sometimes, it just happens. Louisville got outplayed...and has the "L" in their column to prove it.
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THEY SAID IT:

UK head coach Matthew Mitchell on the game:

"That was a great victory for our team today. A tough, tough opponent. We had a lot of respect for them coming in and they were very tough to prepare for. Very good coach and I'm so proud of our players for putting in the work to
prepare and put themselves in a position to get a great victory. I'm real happy for our players.

We were hoping that our depth could be quality today and it would be an advantage. I was extremely cautious - worried is maybe a better word - about their top players. Shoni's just an unbelievable player. We had to use our depth today and use it in a way to see if we had quality depth or not. Today, I think it paid off for us and we were able to use it to our advantage."

Mitchell on rebounding and second chance points:

"We've really been working on becoming a great offensive rebounding team and I think we have the talent to do that. We just have to focus on that and work really hard....Louisville is just a great defensive team and they make it so hard on you to run anything that looks really fluid, that looks good. They do a great job of knowing your personnel and making it difficult on you. I didn't think we played a very pretty offensive game today but offensive boards and second chance putbacks were big for us today because Louisville was making us struggle for things."

Mitchell on the rivalry:

"I think it's grown into a tremendous thing. That thing over in Louisville last year was unreal...the people that showed up for that game and obviously Louisville put it on us real good. I think the game today was closer than the margin ... a tough, tough game with really good players on both sides and it's an exciting time for women's basketball here in the Commonwealth." 

Louisville head coach Jeff Walz on the game:

"Second chance points. The difference in the game. We had stressed that, coming into tonight's game...that we hadn't taken care of the basketball. In order to limit the number of second chance points, we had to rebound the basketball. I thought we did an O.K. job of taking care of the ball but we gave up way too many second chance points."

Bria Smith on her first time in Memorial and in the series:

"The crowd was definitely crazy. I wish the game would have gone a little better."

Walz on the rivalry and basketball in the Commonwealth:

"They had a great crowd here, close to 8,000? and we're fortunate every night to come out and play in front of 12,000. We have a city that supports women's basketball, their community here supports it and it's fun. It's what these young ladies deserve to play in front of. They work just as hard as the men do and I think people are starting to realize it's good quality basketball."

Shoni on the first half:

"It was frustrating because we weren't mentally prepared. and, we got out-rebounded so we were just trying to bounce back in the second half."

(We'll run Jenny's take on it in the Monday edition of Cardinal Couple.) We'll also go into the numbers a little more. (Grudingly...gee, do we have to? They ain't pretty.)
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Volleyball eliminated from NCAA Tournament...WBB: Cards vs. Cats today

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SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:


LIVE FROM MEMORIAL

3:05 p.m. It is done. Cats 74 - Louisville 54. Much more later tonight...included quotes and perspectives. An old-fashioned, take you back to the barn whipping. Whew... 

3:01 p.m. Schimmel makes it 70-50 with a twisting, driving layup. 2:27 left.

2:53 p.m. Reid down after bumping her head on the floor. Up own her own. It's 64-46. Mercifully, only 4:01 to go.

2:42 p.m.  Media timeout. 7:58 left. Maybe premature...but...stick a fork in the Cards...they're done.  

2:40 p.m. Back to back Cat threes harmful here... it's 62-42 UK. 

2:33 p.m. 56-40 UK. Cards had it down to thirteen before another A'dia Mathies three. 11:20 to go..and if Louiville is going to get hot, now is the time. Sonja says...."Hustle, Cards!".


2:22 p.m. 50-32 UK. Cards briefly rallied to cut it to 14 but UK rallied right
back. First Schimmel/Schimmel court apperance at the 16:00 mark.


HALFTIME. 40-23 UK.

Louisville with 15 first half turnovers...Cards scored first and led 6-2 but it went south (or east, I guess...) after that. UK is...well..just whipping Louisville with quickness, accuracy and outside shooting.

Becky Burke with seven to lead Louisville. After her three that made it 10-9 UK, the Cats went on a 15-1 run to lead 25-10 with 7:25 left in the first half. Cards need to focus, rebound. Louisville getting out-rebounded 17-15.

Cards shooting 33.3% from the field and UK 51.7%. Cats six of nine from three-point range...Louisville 2-10. Adia Mathies 10 points for UK.

Ugh. Let's hope for better in the final twenty. The last 15 minutes of the first half were rough to watch.

1:48 p.m. It's now 35-23 after a Becky Burke 3. Cards still getting outrun and hustled by UK. A'dia Mathies on fire for UK.

1:37 p.m. Cats on a 12-1 run and lead 22-10. Cards shooting poorly and in a hurry. Walz not handing out any roses or cookies during the media timeout.


1:25 p.m. 17-9 Cats 11:36 to go. UK running and gunning better than Louisville.

1:14 p.m. 6-5 Cards. Amber Smith at the line after a particularly hard Hammond foul. Cards controlling the boards. Media timeout, Mo in the game for the first time with 15:56 left.

12:54 p.m. Pep band for UK blaring, no Cardinal pep band, LadyBirds or cheerleaders. Cats in locker room, Cards still on court...as is Walz's custom. Six minutes to go. We're guessing 700 UofL fans here...



12:42 p.m. At courtside under the basket near UofL bench. Place is about 3/4th full already....18 minutes to tip. Cats warming up in front of us. Cards bench right next to us.

Good contingent up in the rafters from UofL and loud when the Cards entered the court. UK pep band to our right. Howie Lindsey sitting next to me...Sonja to my right. As we predicted, Gary Gupton doing TV play-by-play. Bring it!



12:07 p.m.  We're in the media room at Memorial Coliseum. Pretty "blue" in here. Did talk briefly with Matt Andrews, UofL play-by-announcer. Sonja is at the food table, Howie Lindsey just walked in and it's 52 minues until tip-off. Like I said, a lot of Blue up in here.





-Volleyball falls 3-1 to Boilermakers

-Cards vs. Cats today in Lexington

-Men's soccer loses in double-overtime to UCLA

For awhile, it looked like the University of Louisville Volleyball team was going to give Purdue a run for their money in the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Championships.
After getting handled convincingly 25-14 in the first set, the Cards rallied and behind Brooke Mattingly and Tanya Lukyanenko and were up 23-20 in the second game. They had the Boliermakers at set point several times, then saw Purdue at set point before finally getting
two kills from Lola Arslanbekova and one from Lukyanenko to tie the match at 1-1...winning 28-26.

Then, the air went out of the ball for Anne Kordes' team.

The Boilermakers had Lola
bottled up Saturday

Purdue looked strong in smashing the Cards after the break...pulling away 12-3 in the third game and winning 25-11. More of the same in the fourth game...the Boilermakers scooting out to a 12-4 advantage and taking the set 25-16.

Shutting down Arslanbekova was the key and Purdue did it well, limiting her to 10 kills for the match. When they weren't stopping her, Lola was her own worst enemy...with numerous attempted kills that were too strong and too long.

Credit Caitlin Welch and Taylor Brauneis for some spectacular saves and digs...but you eventually reach a level of competition that is better than you...unless you win the title...and the Cards ran into that yesterday.

A capacity crowd, mostly Purdue students, made a racket of noise throughout the entire match. We're not big fans of game attendees being able to practically stand on the court and yell directly into the server's ear...but that is the configuration in Purdue's gymnasium. Not that it was the game-changer. The Cards missed enough kills and had enough unforced errors to do themselves in quite easily.

Anne Kordes (right) will do great things, we predict,
in the future as UofL Volleyball coach. Even if
she won't grant us an interview. CARDINAL COUPLE
mojo was there for her...maybe down the road.

Still,  a very good season for Anne Kordes' shorthanded roster. The Volley Cards lose just two seniors from the roster...Maci Wacthel and Gosa Lech...and neither played very much. We're unsure on Gwen Rucker's status for next season...she missed most of the year with a hamstring injury and it's not clear to us whether she'll get an additional season or not.
Anne Kordes has been recruiting well and is bring in at least three top players in the nation as freshmen next season.

So, at 24-9...the volleyball season ends at UofL. A lot to look forward to next year, though and a very good rookie season for Coach Kordes, who battled at times because of a short roster, and did great things. WE could harp upon the fact that she never did return e-mails about doing an interview with CARDINAL COUPLE, even after Paul gave her a card and contact information...but WE'RE sure she had a lot more important things to do than to talk to the fan voice for UofL women's sports. We'll give you a mulligan, Anne. Never underestimate the powerful mojo that you receive when you talk to CARDINAL COUPLE...though.  OK, let's move on...

Props to Al Greener, members of the UofL Pep Band and Cardinal Cheerleaders for making the trip to West Lafayette. You got air time on the BIG TEN Network. Greener plays a mean trombone.  

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As we write this, it is six hours away from the UofL vs. UK women's basketball game.  It's a sold out contest, around 9000 will pack into cozy Memorial Coliseum...and thousands more watching on Fox Sports South...or listening via http://www.uoflsports.com/  or 790 WKRD.  At stake - bragging rights in the state for a year.

We wonder if Matt still hates
everything about Louisville...

Louisville is 7-1. Kentucky is 7-0. The Cards are ranked 10th. and UK is at 12th. Both teams come into the game after lopsided wins from last week.

Will Jeff Walz be walking
on air after today's game?

For Louisville, Monique Reid leads the scoring efforts with 17 points and game. She's joined in double figures by Shoni Schimmel (13.2 ppg), Becky Burke (12.5) and Bria Smith (11.0). Cierra Warren is the leading rebounder at 6.3 grabs a game.

The Cards have faced two top 25 opponents this year, defeating Florida State in Tallahassee and losing to Texas A&M in College Station. 

UK is led by A'dia Mathies' 15.4 points a contest. Other double figure scorers for the Cats are Bria Goss (10.9), Keyla Snowden (10.7) and Kastine Evans (10.7). Sam Drake is the top missed shot grabber with 8.6 an event.

COACHES COMPARISON

Better dancer...Mitchell does a mean "Dougie". We've never seen Walz dance. UK

Better vertical....See Walz picture above. Mitchell looks like he could shed a few lbs. UofL

Head coaching experience...Mitchell seven years...Walz five. UK

Better haircut...Walz keeps his "high and tight". We're not sure what's going on with Mitchell's hair style. UofL

NCAA Tournament Success...Walz has a title game history and two other appearances. Mitchell with two visits to the BIG DANCE.  UofL 

Perspiration...Mitchell is usually soaked after a game. Walz doesn't appear to sweat. UofL

Coaching tree...Mitchell worked for Pat Summitt and Mickie DeMoss. Walz for Paul Sanderford and Brenda Frese. UK

Guy we'd rather hear sing...Mitchell doesn't stutter, Walz does...but he can joke about it. Maybe he'd do a good version of 'My Sharona' .UK

Offspring...Both coaches have two kids. Walz's are cuter.  UofL

Coach most likely to get a technical...Walz can go ballistic at times. Mitchell mostly whines. UofL

CARDINAL COUPLE will try to provide pre-game and live reports from Memorial Coliseum today. Not sure how the UK wireless network is...and we've had trouble before trying to update in the past at Eastern and Xavier...but we'll give it a shot. WE will provide a full report and summation tonight. Check in for updates and WE'LL try to be there for you...

May the best team win.

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Tough loss last night in Cardinal Park, with the UofL men's soccer team going down in double-overtime to UCLA 1-0 in front of a large and rowdy crowd of almost 5,000. WE were able to watch a lot of it on CARDS TV...bouncing back and forth from Volleyball on the BIG TEN network to the soccer match. Cards gave it their best shot...and we like listening to Sean Moth call the game. More like a documentary than a play by play description...which we like. We're guessing we saw 20 Fed Ex semis roll down I-65 because of the camera angle.

Charlie Springer, over at UofL Card Game http://www.uoflcardgame.com/ has a couple of nice action pics of the fans and players and a recap.

Person who might enjoy a few days off: Louisville assistant S.I.D Kim Pemberton. After last night's soccer match, which is one of the sports she handles...she's got basketball today in Lexington. Wouldn't blame her at all for sleeping in on Monday. She gets a break...Lady Cards don't play again after today until Saturday.

Can't say enough about the job she does, especially at UofL women's basketball games...where we see her the most. Any question we have, she'll get the answer. Any request we bring, she does her best to fufill it. Salute!


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Cards sweep Ball State in Volleyball, Purdue next...More UofL vs.UK WBB analysis.

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SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Lola leads Cards over Cards

-More UofL vs. UK breakdown

-Men's hoops wins and soccer plays tonight

>>>>>Just in...9:27 p.m. Cards lose to Purdue in 4 sets in Volleyball. Purdue took  the first game 25-14, Louisville fought back to win game two 28-26...but Purdue swept the Cards out of the gym 25-11 and 25-16 in the final two games. Lots of wide hits and getting blocked at the net for the Volley Cards tonight. WE'LL have a full recap in the Sunday Edition of CARDINAL COUPLE. <<<<<

The University of Louisville Volleyball team swept first round opponent Ball State in NCAA Tournament action last night in West Lafayette, IN. The Cards won in straight sets 25-22, 25-15, 25-20. Lola Arslanbekova stepped up with 19 kills for the Cards, who improve to 24-8 on the season.

"We were able to move the ball around and spread out their defense and try to attack their smaller blockers because their middles were big. One big factor tonight was our passing. It was crisp and we were able to stay in system. We stayed in our game plan and that was a key for us." -Anne Kordes, UofL head volleyball coach.

The Cards started out the first game with a 4-0 run and led 14-9 before the Ball State Cardinals tied it up at 15-15. They never could grab the lead, however and Louisville got four straight points out of Kaitlynn James en route to a 24-18 lead. Ball State hung tough, running four point in a row to climb within two before Lola ended the game with a slam to give the Lady Cards a three point decision.

Louisville started out hot in game two...jumping out to a 6-0 advantage. They never were seriously challenged and Lola produced another slam with the score 25-15...advantage Louisville. Louisville hit for an outstanding .414 in the second contest and Emily Juhl gave the Cards five kills en route to the win.

After the halftime break, Louisville struggled early and trailed 8-7. They regained control of the final game behind Juhl again, soaring out to a 18-13 lead. The Cards couldn't shake the Ball State squad, though, and called a timeout, clinging on to a 23-20 lead. They sent the BSU squad home with blocks from James and Brooke Mattingly on the next two plays to secure game and match. 

 Anne Kordes' squad advances to play Purdue tonight at 7:30 p.m. The Boilermakers knocked off OVC champion Morehead State in the second game of the evening in Holloway Gymnasium. The contest will be televised by the BIG TEN Network. The two schools met early in the season in the BIG EAST/BIG TEN challenge at Illinois...the Boilermakers taking a 3-2 win.

Congratulations to Lola and the girls...and keep it going tonight!

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

With the UofL vs. UK women's basketball game a day away...it's time for Paul and Sonja's look at the contest. We'll be in attendance Sunday, watching the contest from media row. A special thanks to Susan Lax, women's basketball sports information director, for securing the chairs for us. She even sent us information on how to get to Memorial Coliseum from Louisville and directions for media parking. Tip of the hat and a "job well done!" to Susan...

Paul:  I'm looking at this game from a statistical standpoint.

1) Rebounding - Louisville 47.8 - Kentucky 47.7 a game  Advantage: Cards

2) Shooting % - Louisville .449 - Kentucky .414 a game  Advantage: Cards

3) Free throw % - Louisville .716 - Kentucky .640 a game Advantage: Cards

4) Fouls - Louisville 146 - Kentucky 135. Advantage : Cats

5) Three point % - Louisville .338 - Kentucky .294. Advantage : Cards

I feel these are five important statistics. The Cards win four out of the five. Other things to consider are home court advantage (Kentucky's), experience (Louisville-with two players who have been to the final four and nine to a Sweet Sixteen) and depth (Louisville -who plays ten players 12 minutes or more a game, compared to UK - who plays eight.)

Strength of schedule goes to Louisville so far also, having faced two top 25 opponents so far this year, compared to 0 for UK.

I pick Louisville to win this game by eight points. I expect a medium range on the score...maybe 68-60.  

SONJA

Bitter are the memories of Louisville's last appearance in Memorial two years ago. Paul and I sat there with my mom in the bleachers and watched a trouncing of epic proportions. Matthew Mitchell could have taken the foot off the accelerator in the second half against the diminished and over-matched Cardinals...but he didn't. That's got to be in the mindset of Shelby, Asia, Mo, Becky and Coach Walz and staff. Memorial can get loud. The sightlines are tough at times in the box-like configuration. They have ceiling fans above the court (no, I'm not kidding) which can affect the trajectory of a shot, if they're running too fast. Too slow, and the place becomes a boiler room. 

The Cards come back with a powerhouse and juggernaut this year, though. Depth galore at each position, a team on a mission and prolific scorers in Monique Reid, Becky Burke, Shoni Schimmel, Cierra Warren and Bria Smith. The Cards are stronger on the front line and should control the paint. However, unforced turnovers and foul troubles have plagued the Cards at times. Slow starts and defensive lapses more than once.

Weighing in all these factors brings me to the conclusion at first that Louisville might lose this game by the narrowest of margins. But, I'm impressed with the togetherness, unity, desire and ability of this flock of Birds this year. Shoni Schimmel won't allow this one to get away and Mo inside and Becky outside will provide the Cards with a slim win. Make it 79-78 Cards.  

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

Congratulations to Rick Pitino's men for the overtime win over Vandy. Nice comebacks after being down a few points and Peyton Siva gets the game winner on one of is "Oh, no..there he goes again.." drives down the middle. Never should have gone to overtime, though...freshman Chane Behanan missing a easy layup at the end regulation that could have won it.

We're still not sure what to think of this version of the men' team this year except that they do play top-notch defense and they've got an injury list that could fill up a legal pad. Still, they keep winning. Gotta admire that.

And, while struggling to stay awake in the second half of this 9:15 p.m.start, I came to the conclusion that this team just might give the mighty All-American, McDonald's laden, dribble-driving Cats a game on New Year's Eve day. Maybe I was woozy...

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

Men's Soccer with a re-match against UCLA for the umpteenth time tonight in Cardinal Park in NCAA Tournament action. No snow this year. Go get 'em, kickers! Hoping Donnie might read this and send a few words about the match for Sunday. Earth to Donnie, Earth to Donnie....

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More on the upcoming UK vs. Lady Cards WBB game...

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FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

_Louisville advances in Round 1 of NCAA Volleyball

-Jenny tells us her "take" on the UL v. UK WBB basketball game.

-Sandra on the ticket status for the game

-David Watson discusses the game

The University of Louisville Volleyball team has defeated Ball State in first round NCAA Volleyball action...sweeping Ball State 25-22, 25-15, 25-20. We'll have a full recap and details in Saturday's Cardinal Couple. Way to go, Anne Kordes and the Lady Cards spikers! 

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GOOD NEWS!
We're back up and running. Thanks to our superb I.T. guy Chris...and thanks for the e-mails expressing concern. Sometimes, you wonder (after the fact)..."Why did I click on that?"

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(Jenny O'Bryan is a writer for CARDINAL COUPLE. Here is her "take" on Sunday's game.)

I believe we can win against the Lady Cats. If both teams show up to play, and play to their capabilities, I believe this is going to go down as one of the best games in the history (or at least the recent history) of this rivalry. I give the edge to Louisville, though. I do believe it is going to be a close game. Of course, I want our Lady Cards to come out on top. But even more so, I want a good game from both teams. 

So...what needs to happen to bring home the win? Here are my thoughts on the matter: 

First, UofL needs to get off to a strong start. Let's hope they start the game like they did against Murray State and hit shots in the first minutes. UK is too good a team to  start slowly against...like the Cards have several times this year. GET OFF TO A STRONG START. 

Take care of the ball is next. The Lady Cards need to take care of every possession. They need to do this better than they have in games past. UK is a strong defensive team and they are going to force turnovers! We need not helping them beat us by committing unforced errors. The Lady Cares will need to value each possession, make good, solid passes on in-bounds plays and in transition. We must control this stat. TAKE CARE OF THE BALL.

The Lady Cards are also strong defenders. They will need to keep up the good work in this area. They can improve in this area by cleaning up the defense. The high octane, furious defensive effort loses its maximum effect when whistles are blown and play is stopped. When players get a chance to rest their legs and catch their breath you lose the advantages you have been stock-piling. PLAY SOLID, CLEAN DEFENSE AND...IN THE PROCESS...STAY OUT OF FOUL TROUBLE.

Dominate in the paint and on the boards. I believe this is the area where Louisville has the greatest advantage. Our "true bigs" include Cierra Warren and Sherrone Vails....with a supporting cast of Monique Reid, Asia Taylor, Sara Hammond, and Shawnta Dyer. Six players who can provide strong and valuable minutes inside. Louisville will need to find a way to exploit this vulnerability  of the Cats. The opportunity is there to rotate, stay  rested and dominate. UK has one true center in Samantha Drake and a forward/center in Azia Bishop. A strong effort from our "bigs" is the difference in this game. UofL must get solid minutes in the paint, stay out of foul trouble and rebound.

A'dia Mathies is still a huge impact player, even when her offense is off. She brings so much more to the game than just points scored. Containing her will be a huge task for the Cardinal guards...especially with Tia Gibbs done for the year.

The Lady Card assists seem to have increased with Shoni and Mo back in the lineup. This needs to continue to be a upward trend.

Finally, the Lady Cards need to just play like they know how to play. Hopefully, Shoni and Becky will be on fire from outside. Bria Smith will have her dribble drive going on and will be counted on to cash in on free throws. Mo will need to be the point producing paint specialist and look for her to see increased minutes. The Lady Cards will need to control the boards.

Lady Cards, go out on the hardwood at Memorial and play your game. Play hard, play strong and leave it all on the court. Bring home the win! 

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

(CARDINAL COUPLE correspondent Sandra Walker comments on the ticket situation.) 

Tickets for Sunday's UK vs. UofL women's basketball game are officially gone. Kentuckysports.com announced no more tickets are are left for the Memorial Coliseum game...but they are still heavily promoting tickets to the UK vs. Duke WBB matchup in Rupp Arena. Official routes for tickets have not been available for awhile. Research at TicketMaster and contact with the normally resourceful ticket finder "Rob" at StubHub, Inc. also produced no results. Yesterday he responded "Just got your message and checked the listing for the game. Unfortunately, we have no more tickets left." 

One route may still be available as we have heard that a few tickets might be twisted out of UK's hands - to compliment those already held by over 250 fans who have committed to ride one of the fan buses to the game (which also includes a game ticket). You can confirm additional availability by contacting William Hancock at wth6445@insightbb.com or the Fastbreak Club at UofL. 

I personally grew frustrated with the UK ticket office non-answers when trying to acquire a ticket as far back as October when it was announced that Rupp Arena was being reserved for the upcoming WBB contest between UK and Duke but not for the more heavily fan-followed Louisville game. It looks like that either UK was too tight to spring for the additional Rupp Arena usage funds or that Louisville's almost triple home attendance so concerned the UK faithful that it was determined that using Memorial would guarantee a large home town crowd majority with which to help break the Louisville over Kentucky win streak--as UK will need every advantage they can acquire. This, of course, is my opinion.

One other possibly successful tactic to acquire game tickets is what I did. I presented myself as having so much newly acquired interest in the UK women that I was interested in purchasing season tickets. For the $40 investment, I not only have admission to the UofL vs. UK game...but also tickets to Tennessee, Duke and all the other teams on UK's home schedule. Not a bad investment...as the incoming team will make it worth it.

Notice to potential UK recruits...At least Memorial is an improvement from the early years of UK women's practice facilities where unless shots were perfect swishes, the backboard moved.

Enjoy the game. See you there.
EDITOR NOTE: A couple of hours after this article, regualr reader Elvis Redbird sent us an e-mail and has (2) tickets for face value ($7 each)...his e-mail address is qvoigt@hotmail.com CARDINAL FANS ONLY

His e-mail:

Dear Cardinal Couple,

I have two extra tickets for Sunday's game available to Cardinal fans only who wish to attend. The seat are behind the visitors bench up high. I'm willing to part with them for face value of $7 each. If you know of someone wishing to see what's shaping up as a heck a contest. #10 vs. #12. Personally I'm looking forward to chanting 'O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D' as I believe the Cardinals are a much better team & will win by + 15 POINTS. Please give them my contact information.

(Thanks Elvis!)*****************************************************************

(DAVID WATSON is a Special Correspondent for CARDINAL COUPLE. He talks about the game below.)

I'll be watching the upcoming UofL vs. UK women's basketball game with a great deal of interest. I've heard it might be on ESPN3-which would be good for those who don't receive FOX SPORTS SOUTH. 

My neighbor Hank is UK crazy.  Blue flag flies 365 days a year. We were talking the other day out in his driveway. He was boasting about the successes of the UK men's team. I countered that the UofL women's basketball team was playing the Lady Kats and that it would be a good game. His answer: 

"I don't follow those women's sports too much but the Cats will win that one. UK is just plain better than Louisville in everything but football." 

We agreed to a friendly wager. Two sidewalk shovellings of the other's property after the first two sizable snows. No points exchanged, just a neighborly wager. Then, he went back into his cave, club over shoulder - and drug his wife out to the mini-van by her hair. Hank is definitely a male chauvinist pig, self admitted- and if there isn't a helmet, home run or slam dunk involved, he usually doesn't watch or care for it. Everytime I hear the Beatles sing "Here comes old flat-top." on the song "Come Together" - I get a mental picture of him.

Louisville will travel to Memorial Coliseum and beat the Kentucky women. How do I know this? I go by a basic and old and proven adage in basketball. The team that can rebound better usually wins. The Lady Cards have a wealth of tall, long-armed, muscular girls who can rebound. UK has one or two.

Rebounds equal possessions or second chance putbacks. When the ball is in your hands, it's better than having it in the opponents' hands. More possessions equal more chances to score.

And, I dig Monique Reid.

Cards win on Sunday. I'll say 69-59. And, let it snow, let in snow, let it snow.

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It's started. Rumors about Louisville football coach Charlie Strong being pursued by other programs. Penn State and Texas A&M are currently on top of the speculation. (Putting hands over ears...going "La,La,La,La,La,La...")

Strong could be taking the Cardinals to Miami for the Orange bowl if Connecticut can beat Cincinnati Saturday. At least, the Cards are headed to Charlotte, Memphis or maybe St. Pete for post-season action.

Ask John L.Smith or Howard Schnellenberger, Charlie. Leaving would be a bad idea. Stay and make the mark on UofL football you've talked about doing.

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(Thanks to our three writers today for their contributions. Tomorrow, Sonja and I will discuss our opinions and we welcome yours. E-mail us or leave a message in the comments section and let us know. Adios.)
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Knowing the foe...UK coach Matthew Mitchell and his team

THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:


-Jenny previews the Lady Kats

-What we know...so far...on game viewing via Television

-Mitchell leads undefeated Wildcats with his "winning tools" philosophy

Dunlap was a star at UK

The Lady Cards (7-1) head into Sunday's competition against the Lady Cats (7-0) to face a team that lost its best player to graduation and the WNBA last season. Victoria Dunlap was the 11th. pick in the WNBA Draft in 2011.

Rest assured, though, the Cats have plenty of weapons to bring to the court.

The Cats play in Memorial Coliseum, which seats around 9000. So far, Kentucky has played one road game, and six in Memorial. Average attendance thus far is 4568. Sunday's game is a sell out. With twice the usual turnout for the UofL game...how many in the crowd will be rooting for Louisville? The Lady Cards are no stranger to playing in front of 9000+ fans, the question is how will Kentucky react to the sudden influx of people?

Samarie Walker will have an impact at UK.

The Cats have picked up two transfers. De Nesha Stallworth transferred from California and will sit out the 2011-12 season. Samarie Walker came in from UConn last year and will be eligible to play at the end of the semester. Both girl play in the post and UK will likely benefit greatly when Walker eventually gets onto the court.

Jennifer O'Neill is a sophomore guard who is currently recovering from a toe/foot injury. She's a sharp-shooting, All-American...whose presence on the court improves the Cats long range bombing threat. Currently practicing with the team, from what I've heard, she's a hopeful return for them in mid-December. Like Louisville, UK has had to deal with injuries and ineligibility's this year..

The Wildcats are very similar to the Lady Cards - they are a high pressure, defensive oriented squad. Lots of high energy and they like to apply the full court press. Capable of creating a high amount of opponent turnovers. They create an average of 35.7 turnovers a game...17.8 of those coming from steals. This is a high-pressure defense. Repeat...35.7 turnovers created a game...this is NOT a typo.

One would think with a turnover number so high...there would be a lot of fouls. Not so. Once once this year has a UK player fouled out. UK also finds their way to the line. They are averaging 26.7 free throws a contest and making 16.8..which is a less than spectacular 63%.

Offensively, the Lady Cats are distributing the ball very, very well. Amber Smith and A'dia Mathies are the leaders here. UK averages 17 assists per game. With a heavy guard lineup - sometimes starting four guards a game- they can move and shoot the ball rapidly. They've been scoring a lot of points and their smallest margin of victory has been 18. Their shooting can take a night off, though...failures to convert on layups and around the rim. 

Adia Mathies played her high school
ball at Iroquois High School.

To prepare for this game, Louisville head coach Jeff Walz will take Louisville, KY native and Iroquois High School guard A'dia Mathies heavily into account. The junior entered the season as the leading returning scorer with 16.3 ppg.  The Lady Cards will have to take A'dia out of the game offensively to take home a win.

Keyla Snowden is another talented UK guard. The senior comes off the bench and can put up big-time numbers when she's hot. Sophomore center Samantha Drake is also putting up some respectable numbers. Meagan Conwright, Kastine Evans and Bria Goss are also serious scoring threats. The firepower is there. Containing UK's guards will be Louisville's biggest challenge. Like Louisville, they're deep in that department, so stopping them will be no small feat.

Of the UK freshmen, Bria Goss is the most touted. From Indianapolis, she was Indiana's Miss Basketball in 2011 and was the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year. Azia Bishop has tremendous ability and unbelievable potential. Bra'Shey Ali rounds out the freshman class and is a combo guard that head coach Matthew Mitchell states is the most aggressive ball defender on the team.

Samantha Drake played at Nelson County

What appears to be the greatest weakness for the Lady Cats, presently, is the inside game. They are young in this area and currently do not have a great deal of depth. Drake usually gets the nod at center...but admittedly needs to work on her strength and finishing around the rim. Drake is 6'3" and averages 8.6 grabs per game. She is the only true center currently on the roster. Mitchell speaks very highly of freshman Azia Bishop and the potential there. She could be a very good paint player as she adjusts to the college game and logs more minutes. The Cats will greatly benefit when Walker joins the team for the SEC schedule. Exploiting the current lack of depth in the paint will be a key to victories over the Cats by Louisville and other opponents. 

Jenny put a lot of time and research
into her breakdown of UK. Good job!

Kentucky has had decisive victories every game this season. They have been putting up big offensive numbers and the margin of victory large. They force an incredible amount of turnovers. Their effort this year, so far, has been very good and deserves respect. That being said, they haven't played a top ranked team yet. Louisville will be the first top-10 opponent UK has faced this year. Additionally, they have not faced the rigors or stress of playing back-to-back away games. Their only away game was at Morehead, about an hour from the UK Campus. A soft schedule, good results and they'll face numerous challenges from the road-tested, multi-talented Lady Cards.

I will share my thoughts on how Louisville wins this top-ten matchup and Battle for the Bluegrass tomorrow. Stay tuned!

-Jenny O' Bryan, CARDINAL COUPLE correspondent.

(Thanks for the informative and detailed information of "our next non-conference opponent", Jenny!  After reading Jenny's comprehensive report, I feel like I could go suit up and shut down the UK offensive attack. Okay, maybe a bad idea...)

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In case you are unable to attend Sunday, here's the TV info we have. FOX SPORTS SOUTH will have the broadcast. Here's the channel information we have here in the Louisville area.

Insight: Channel 70 or 35-8 for those without a box

DirecTV: Channel 646

Dish: Channel 420

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The year was 2007. Mickie DeMoss had resigned as UK head women's basketball coach and Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart needed to move quickly to quiet the buzz surrounding UK women's basketball and speculation about the successor. Turns out his answer and hire were about an hour away on I-64 East...Morehead State head coach Matthew Mitchell.

The UK WBB squad now plays their home games
(for the most part) in 9,000 seat Memorial Coliseum.
Unless it's Duke...who UK may even hate more
than the Cards. Christian Laettner, anyone?

Mitchell was no stranger to the program. He had been an assistant under DeMoss at UK before accepting the Eagles' job. The job was his if he wanted it, and he did.

In his first year as Lady Wildcats skipper, he coached the team to a 17-16 record. They finished fourth in the SEC with a 8-6 performance. He drew 10,000 into Rupp Arena to watch his team play Angel McCoughtry and the Lady Cards...Louisville winning their fourth straight in the series...a Cardinal team coached by a young, first year coach named Jeff Walz. Later in the season, he got the Lady Kats to the semifinals of the SEC Tournament and won two games in the WNIT before bowing out to eventual champ Marquette.

2008-09 was about the same. A 16-16 mark, another loss to Louisville, this time in Freedom Hall...another trip to the WNIT and a second round loss. He was building the program his way, though...utilizing his "winning tools" philosophy - honesty, hard work and discipline. 

Mitchell is in his 5th year
as UK WBB head coach.

In 2009-10, the philosophy and the rebuilding paid off. Mitchell was named SEC Coach of the Year and his Lady Kats posted a 28-8 record and 2nd place finish in the SEC. A powerful but undersized center named Victoria Dunlap and lightning-quick guard out of Louisville named A'dia Mathies had the Kats rolling and they made it to the NCAA Tournament. They blew out a hobbled Jeff Walz Lady Cards team in Memorial Coliseum by 34 points.

Last year, the Lady Kats returned to the "Big Dance" and complied a 25-9 mark and second place finish in the SEC. They were the #4 seed in their NCAA Region and advanced to the second round. They were handled by a fired up Louisville team in a sold-out, 22,152 attending KFC YUM! Arena crowd by 26 points during the regular season...an all-time high attendance figure for Lady Cards basketball.  

Mitchell is 7-0 this year and he's fourth on the all-time list of winning-ist UK women's basketball head coaches with a record of 92-49. His team is fast and talented, they score early and often and the game Sunday will be a fun chess match to watch between two brilliant strategists. Even though the Lady Kats have been "filling up on creme puffs" so far this year...they'll be pumped up to sit down for a full-course meal with the Cards.
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mickidemosswastheheadcoachatukforfouryearsandtookthecatstothencaatournamentonceduringhertimetheresheisnowanassistantattennesseresumingthejobshelefttocometouk