Louisville pulls away from Nebraska, wins seventh straight to open season
--By Mike Gilpatrick
--Photos by Seth Spalding and Jared Anderson
​The Louisville Cardinals women's basketball team played a tough game against Nebraska, for the first three quarters.
Louisville defeated the 2-3 Cornhuskers 85-68. The Cornhuskers played close in three quarters of the game, before Louisville pulled away late in the third.
But the Cardinals notched their seventh consecutive victory to open 2018-19. Asia Durr was a crucial part of the win, and led all scorers with 25 points and 8 assists. Sam Fuehring led the Cardinals with 10 rebounds.
"Defensively, we've got some room to continue to improve." Louisville head coach Jeff Walz said after the game. "You can't get beat back door, but unfortunately it was a common theme for us in the first half."
Nebraska proved to be tough in the first quarter. The Huskers hit 54.5 percent from the field, and had one three-point basket. Nebraska had the lead as late as 4:51 in the period. Then, Kylee Shook hit a pair of jumpers, and Sam Fuehring hit a layup to end the period on a 6-0 run. The Cardinals hit 56.3 percent from the field, and were one of five from beyond the arc.
​Heading into the second, Louisville led 21-14.
The second was also tight. Louisville only outscored Nebraska by two, after a last-second jump shot from Dana Evans. The Cardinals hit 47 percent from the field, and only made one of four three-pointers. Louisville also shot only 40 percent from the free-throw line. But at the half, Louisville led 40-31.
Durr scored eight points in the third period. For most of it, it was back and forth. The Cardinals put up a few mini-runs, and hit 6 of 8 from the free-throw line. The Cardinals shot 43.8 percent for the quarter. Meanwhile, Louisville was strong on three-point defense; holding Nebraska to just three field goals from beyond the arc out of nine attempts. Nebraska shot 35.3 percent overall. Entering the fourth quarter, Louisville led 62-50.
Louisville pulled away in the fourth, but Nebraska also went on a run. The Cardinals went on a 12-1 lasting over two minutes. Then, Nebraska went on a 9-0 run, lowering Louisville's 24-point lead to just 15. But the Cardinals won the fourth quarter 23-18.
Louisville shot 51.6 percent for the game. They hit 7 of 20 from three, and 12 of 20 from the free-throw line. Nebraska shot 42.3 percent from the field, and 33.3 percent from three. The Huskers were 75 percent from the line.
Durr's eight assists were a career high for the star guard.
"Every time I drove, there was like two, three girls stepping up." Durr said about her career night in assists "So my teammates spotted up. We can all score so that's what I was trying to do. They shot the ball."
Louisville will host Tennessee State on Sunday at 2pm. The game is on ACC Network Extra. Tickets are also as low as $11.00.
Cards Roll Past Miami in home opener
--By: Coy Romine
-- Photos by Seth Spalding
Louisville opened their home season in style as they took care of business against the Miami RedHawks in a 95-73 win.
Asia Durr and the Cardinals raced ahead early and never looked back as they improved to 6-0 on the season. Forward Kylee Shook led scoring for the Cards with 17 points, and hit 6 for 9 from the field. Overall, Louisville had six players reach double-figures with Durr (16), Bionca Dunham (15), Dana Evans (14), Sam Fuehring (10), and Jazmine Jones (10).
Louisville got off to a blistering 23-5 start in the first quarter. They did not let up, and his players seemingly scored at will against the RedHawk defense. The fast-break offense was successful in finding holes in the defense for high-percentage shots and easy transition points.
Miami played tough to start the second quarter though, eventually cutting the lead to just 10 with 5:55 remaining in the half. However, Louisville maintained their persistence on both sides of the ball and closed out the quarter with a 6-0 run to grab a 46-28 lead at the half.
The Cardinals emerged from the break with the same intensity they had going into halftime, jumping out to a 23-point lead 2:44 into the quarter, their largest lead of the game.
Dunham had a great performance, adding four steals to her 15 points on 7 for 10 from the field. Durr had a solid performance for the Cards as well, scoring 16 points along with three assists and three steals. Louisville's offensive attack and pressing defense proved too much for Miami.
Up next for Louisville: Big Ten/ACC Challenge against Nebraska Cornhuskers at the KFC Yum! Center on Thursday, November 29th, at 7pm.
Louisville women's basketball: Dana Evans is finding her stride in year two
--Photo by Seth Spalding
The Louisville Cardinals won 95-73 against Miami on Monday.
Dana Evans was a bright spot in the victory. The former five-star recruit appears to be hitting her stride as a Sophomore.
The guard from Gary, Indiana had 14 points and 6 assists in the win. She was a perfect 6 for 6 from the free-throw line. It was Evans' third consecutive game with more than 10 points.
It's just the tip of what she had done during the season. Evans leads the team in assists, with 33. She's 15 ahead of second-place Asia Durr. Evans is third on the team scoring. Her 14 points improved her 7.4 point average to 8.5.
​Monday marked the third consecutive game Evans was in double-digits scoring. It appears she may be hitting her stride.
"The points are great, I'm just really impressed with the way she's passing the ball right now." Louisville head coach Jeff Walz said after the game; "The last three ball games, she [Evans] has 18 assists and four turnovers. She's taking care of the ball. She's getting it to people at the right time and the right place, doing exactly what we need her to do."
Evans was recruited as the ninth overall recruit in the class of 2017. She was a McDonald's All-American and Jordan Brand All-Star in high school.
Her freshman year, Evans hit just .364 from the field, and just .224 beyond the arc. In 21 minutes per game, Evans averaged just 5.1 points. She made her name on assists, though. Her 134 assists were second on the 2017-18 team, behind Arica Carter's 151.
Carter averaged just nine minutes more than Evans.
​It appears that Evans' scoring had caught up to her assists. This year, she is hitting 48.6 percent from the field, and 40 percent from three.
"I think I'm just finding my way now." Evans said after the game, "Last year was a lot of ups and downs; I feel like I'm more comfortable now, and I know where I can get my shots from."
Walz spoke about how he doesn't have a set starting lineup, and will play matchups. Monday, he went with a more traditional- three guard and two forward look. On some nights, like in Bowling Green for the season opener, Walz could opt for an outside-shooting heavy four-guard look.
"She's scoring within the offense." Walz said "That's something that I'm really excited about- The maturity of Dana and just the evolution of her game as she continues to grow."
Evans should see more playing time, especially after grad-transfer Yacine Diop's injury over the weekend. Evans is emerging as an integral part of the Louisville women's basketball team.
​Dana Evans and the Louisville Cardinals will host Nebraska on Thursday, November 29th, at 7pm. The game will be on ACC Network Extra. Tickets are as low as $11.00.
Louisville beats Hartford, wins fifth road game to open season
​The Louisville Cardinals women's basketball team won their fifth consecutive game on the road, and defeated Hartford, 86-69.
Asia Durr and Sam Fuehring led Louisville's attack. The Louisville guard and one of the best players in the nation scored 20, after shooting 5 for 11 from the field, and 2 for 5 from beyond the arc. Fuehring had 19 points; after making five two-pointers, one three, and all eight free throws.
Two other Cardinals were in the double-digits scoring. Dana Evans had 11, and Kylee Shook had 10 points.
Hartford had trio score more than 10. Sierra DaCosta scored the most points of either team, with 21. Jade Young had 11 and Ella Awobajo had 12.
Louisville trailed after the first period. Hartford shot 64.3 percent from the field, and led 18-16.
Then, the Cardinals shot 60 percent from both beyond the arc and from two-point range; and outscored Hartford 37-18 before halftime. It gave the Cardinals the 53-36 lead.
Both teams scored 15 in the third, and 18 in the fourth.
Louisville shot 54 percent for the game. The Cardinals were 8 for 14 from three, and hit 24 of 31 free throws. The Cardinals held Hartford to less than 50 percent from two (46.3 percent), and three (28.6 percent). Hartford connected on 15 of 23 free throws.
​The 5-0 Cardinals will travel back to Louisville before Sunday, and gear up for their belated first game at the KFC Yum! Center. Louisville will host the 4-0 Miami RedHawks Monday at 7. Miami is the 1st team in the MAC East Division.
Fuehring plays hero, Cards outlast No.19 Arizona State
​After defeating Boise State on Monday, the Louisville Cardinals faced their toughest competition yet: 19th-ranked Arizona State; in the first game of the Southpoint Shootout in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Louisville played a close; defensive game; that ultimately came down to the wire. The Cardinals ultimately prevailed; 58-56.
Sam Fuehring was the hero of the game. She put 18 points on the board; and was one rebound shy of a double-double. She had the most points of the game. Asia Durr was behind her, with 14.
The score was tied at the end of the first; 14-14. The Cardinals' largest lead of the period was three; which happened twice: First, at the 7:54 mark; after Durr drained a three; assisted by Arica Carter. The second was also from a deep bucket from Durr, that was assisted by Carter; with 5:46 left until the second.
Arizona state began the second period on a 4-0 run. It came after a pair of layups from Charnea Johnson-Chapman and Sophia Elenga. Fuehring made two layups and a free throw to regain the lead. The Cardinals ended the first half on an 6-0 run; and a 29-27 lead.
The Sun Devils won the third period. Kianna Ibis made a jumper 15 seconds into the period. Like the previous two periods, Louisville couldn't gain more than a four-point lead. Arizona State scored three unanswered buckets; and led 41-37 heading into the fourth.
​Dana Evans made three consecutive baskets, and Durr made a layup; for Louisville's largest run of the game. It gave Louisville a four-point lead with 5:31 left in the game. In the last minute, Elenga made both free throws; and put the game within two. Durr made a jump shot with 49 seconds left; and Fuehring made a jump shot; giving Louisville a 54-49 lead with 26 seconds in the game.
Then, the game became more interesting. Arizona State scored three via free throws, Louisville made two, and the Devils made four more. With 10.7 seconds left, Evans stormed down the court; and passed the ball to Fuehring; who made an easy layup with two seconds left. It secured Louisville's 58-56 victory.
Louisville shot 40.7 percent for the game. The Cardinals were 3 for 11 from beyond the arc. Louisville also connected on seven of nine free throw attempts.
​The 4-0 Cardinals will face off against Hartford tomorrow at 3pm. It will be the last of five road games to open the season. Louisville will play Miami of Ohio Monday at 7, at the KFC Yum! Center.
Louisville pulls away in third, defeats Boise State
​Louisville played in a rematch of the 2018 NCAA first round. The Cardinals travelled to Idaho on Monday; taking on the Boise State Broncos.
Boise gave the Cardinals everything they could handle, and had the lead late in the second quarter. But the Cardinals ultimately prevailed in the final minute, and in the second half; securing the 74-55 victory.
Boise State scored first, and had a five point lead for nearly the first five minutes of the game. A layup from Sam Fuehring and three from Dana Evans tied the game. After that, both teams exchanged baskets for most of the rest of the first period.
Louisville trailed by one, 12-11; heading into the second quarter.
The Cardinals began to find their footing in the second half. The Cardinals had as much as a four-point lead in the period, after Asia Durr layed up a fast-break basket. But with just over two minutes left; Boise State guard Braydey
Hodgins drained a quick three-point basket; and gave the Broncos a four-point lead.
Louisville ended the period on a 7-0 run; and the 31-28 lead.
The Cardinals shot just 34 percent in the first half; and hit 50 percent from beyond the arc. They held Boise State to just 29 percent, and 38 percent from three.
Louisville pulled away in the third. The Cardinals outscored the Broncos 22-13, after a pair of runs. The first was a 9-2 run from 9:40 to 7:21. Then, Louisville went on a 10-0 run. Asia Durr hit the last basket of the quarter; a three-point jump shot that was assisted by Sam Fuehring.
Heading into the final quarter, Louisville led 53-41.
​Louisville continued to maintain their lead in the fourth. The Cardinals exchanged baskets, and pulled away; eventually hitting a 19-point lead.
As to be expected, Durr led scoring; with 20 points. Arica Carter was hot off the bench; scoring 16. Fuehring was strong off the glass; and managed to grab eight rebounds.
The Cardinals open 2018-19 3-0. The Cardinals will travel to Las Vegas; and compete in the Southpoint Shootout. On Friday, the Cards will take on Arizona State at 5:30. Then, on Saturday, Louisville plays Hartford.
​Louisville will play their first home game on Monday, November 26th, at 7pm; against Miami of Ohio.
A few thoughts from Louisville womens basketball's opener
The Louisville Cardinals played their first game of the season on Tuesday; defeating Western Kentucky 102-80. While it was a lopsided win, there were a few things that stuck out in the box score.
Asia Durr being Asia Durr
Louisville's star last year was the brightest moment on Tuesday. The Senior guard made 12 of 21 for 33 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Those numbers aren't shabby. In fact, Durr's 33 led all scorers. And Durr scored Louisville's first 11 points- in less than two minutes.
While 33 points is a tough benchmark to maintain, Durr could average 20 this season. In 2016-17, Durr averaged 19.2; and last year, she averaged 18.7. While it may look like a decline, Durr scored more points each season.
Her shooting percentage from two and three have also improved year to year.
It will be interesting to see what Durr does against UT Chattanooga on Friday. Chattanooga went 17-13, and made it to the first round of the post-season women's NIT last year.
Evans or Carter
One surprise was in the starting lineup. Sophomore Dana Evans started ahead of redshirt Senior Arica Carter. While Evans is the starting point guard of the future; Carter had the job all of last season, and many believed to be this season as well.
While it wasn't asked in the post-game presser, Jeff Walz could just be trying out a new look, something in practice, or a late-game substitution. It could've been anything. Carter still did play 19 minutes, and put up 19 points, three rebounds, and one assist. 12 points were from three. In comparison, Evans played 22, and notched four points, one board, and five assists.
Walz spoke about how starting doesn't matter as much as who plays the final three minutes. Both saw action in the final three minutes. Evans was on the floor for the final 1:34.
​Louisville has a deep team, especially at guard. There are multiple looks Walz could go with. But the starting point guard could be something to watch for.
Four guards, Diop leads in rebounds
The starting lineup on Tuesday was: G-Evans, G-Durr, G-Jaz Jones, G-Yacine Diop, and F-Sam Fuehring. Walz went with a fast lineup, and four guards. There were multiple looks that Louisville could've went with- Kylie Shook and Bionca Dunham are both over 6-2.
Tuesday proved that height wasn't necessarily needed in this case. Both Diop and Jones practiced with the forwards. Jones has size, with a height of 6-0; and Diop has athleticism. Diop had a double-double on Tuesday, with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Jones blocked two shots while rebounding five times.
UT Chattanooga is about as tall as Western. Louisville may go with the same look on Friday, or go taller.
Walz's 300th
Jeff Walz notched win No. 300 on Tuesday, and it couldn't have been any more memorable. The Louisville coach started his career at Western Kentucky, as an assistant under Paul Sanderford from 1996-1997. He still is popular in Bowling Green.
​Walz's 300th couldn't have came at a more memorable place.
​Friday's game is at 7pm. The Cardinals open at the KFC Yum! Center on Monday, November 26th, at 7pm against Miami of Ohio.
Durr, Louisville kicks off year on high note, dominates Western Kentucky
--Photos by Seth Spalding
​The Louisville Cardinals opened 2018-19 on a high note.
The last time Jeff Walz and company played a game; it was a heartbreaking overtime loss in the Final Four. Louisville shook off the feeling with a dominating 102-80 win over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers; led by Asia Durr's stellar performance.
Durr led scoring with 33 points. She led a quartet of double-digit scorers; including Arica Carter (19), newcomer Yacine Diop (11), and Kylie Shook (10). Diop also had a double-double.
Durr jumped had 11 within the first two minutes. In fact, Durr scored Louisville's first 11 points- before newcomer Yacine Diop scored a two-point basket. The Cardinals went on a 12-0 drive before Western scored another basket. Louisville's largest lead of the quarter was 15; 2:31 into the game. At the end of the first quarter, Louisville led 32-21. Durr led scorers with 16 points in the first quarter.
Western played tough in the second quarter. The Hilltoppers went on a 12-2 run over the middle part of the quarter, cutting Louisville's lead to five; before Arica Carter stopped Western's momentum with a three-point basket. A layup from Jaz Jones and three from Durr ended the half.
Louisville led 54-43 at halftime. Durr led scorers with 21. Louisville shot 55.6 percent from the field, and 45 from beyond the arc.
Both teams played sluggish to start the second half. Both teams were shooting under 50 percent for the first five minutes.
Then, it was all Louisville. The Cardinals outscored WKU 31-8 in the period. It was helped by a long 17-0 run. The run was kicked off with a pair of free-throws from Yacine Diop at 6:14, and lasted until nearly the two-minute mark. Louisville led 85-51 at the end of three.
The Hilltoppers began winning the fourth quarter, when the Cardinals had put their reserves into the game. Bionca Dunham made two free-throws with 3:25 in the game to put the Cardinals in triple-digits scoring.
Louisville moves to 1-0. They travel to Tennessee, and will take on UT Chattanooga on Friday, November 9th, at 7pm. The Cardinals will play their first game at the KFC Yum! Center on Monday, November 26th; hosting Miami of Ohio.
Louisville women's basketball season preview
The No. 5 Louisville Cardinals tip off tomorrow; kicking off another run at Louisville's first national championship title. Jeff Walz and Co. debut in Bowling Green, against Western Kentucky; on Tuesday, November 6th.
When the Cardinals take the floor, they'll look like last year's team for the most part- four of their five starters return. The only difference is the loss of Myisha Hines-Allen. Her replacement isn't set.
It could change based on opposing matchups. The two natural choices may be forwards Kylie Shook and Bionca Dunham. Without Hines-Allen, Sam Fuehring is the leader of the front-court.
"Kylie and Bionca Dunham will have to step up." Walz said at the women's basketball media day, "Sam will be defender by the best post player."
Another potential look could be going with four guards; technically. Jazmine Jones played as a small forward for much of last year. Newcomer Yacine Diop, a high-scoring grad transfer from Pittsburgh, has also shown athleticism and may play forward.
Diop isn't the only newcomer. Louisville has three freshmen on the roster, one of which has redshirted. Walz spoke about how fans will enjoy watching Seygan Robins and Mykasa Robinson. Both will see playing time on Tuesday. Walz spoke about how they will play in the first half, and maybe in the first quarter.
​The highlight of the team is Asia Durr. One of women's basketball's best players in 2017-18, Durr has already received multiple preseason accolades- including preseason All-ACC and All-American. She will be in the running for player of the year this year.
As a team, Louisville has received a few accolades. They were picked as the No. 2 team in the ACC- behind Notre Dame (Whom Louisville had beaten twice last season). They're fifth in the Associated Press Top 25, and fourth in the coaches poll.
They face a tough Atlantic Coast Conference- Six teams are in the Top 25. One of the toughest stretches is a two-game road trip to Duke (21) and Notre Dame (1).
Also on the schedule are the high-octane Connecticut Huskies. After winning three of four quarters, but losing to the Huskies in Storrs; the Cardinals will look for revenge on January 31st in Louisville.
2018-19 will be a season Louisville fans will enjoy. The Cardinals open in the KFC Yum! Center on Monday, November 26th, at 7pm.
Mike Gilpatrick is the senior Louisville Women's basketball correspondent for River City Cards... MORE