No. 8 Louisville Cardinals SHOOK Evansville

Louisville, KY — The No. 8 Louisville Cardinals rocked the Evansville Purple Aces, 89-47. Freshman Kylee Shook could not be stopped as she grabbed her first career double-double.

“I was really happy with Kylee Shook today,” Louisville head coach Jeff Walz said. “She shot the ball extremely well. She’s been getting in the gym and getting up extra shots.”

Louisville wrapped up its six-game homestand, including three games in five days, with a large victory over Evansville. The Cardinals showed no signs of fatigue as they jumped out to an early lead over the Purple Aces.

Louisville effectively shut down Evansville’s offense by keeping two of the Aces’ leading scorers, Sara Dickey and Brooke Dossett, from scoring double-figures. In doing so, the Cardinals’ limited the Aces to 47-points, well below their season average of 71.3 points per game.

Louisville took an early 7-2 lead after a three-pointer and a layup from Asia Durr. But, Sasha Robinson and Camary Williams added 2-points apiece.

Sparked by Briahanna Jackson, who grabbed a quick 4-points, and a three-pointer from Kylee Shook, Louisville went on a 7-0 run. The Cardinals hit 3-of their last-3 to take a 14-7 lead into the first media timeout.

Shook and Ciera Johnson extended Louisville’s lead out of the timeout, as Shook drove for a layup and Johnson grabbed a layup, plus one.

However, a foul committed by Jazmine Jones put Williams on the line for the second time to hit both free throws.

Louisville responded by tightening down on the defensive end as the Cardinals blocked two shots and attacked the defensive boards. The lock down defense allowed Louisville to grab 8 points in a little more than one minute. Johnson, Shook and Taylor Johnson laid it in for the Cardinals, and Jones connected on a 17-foot pull-up jumper.

Louisville held Evansville scoreless for more than two minutes, but Brooke Dossett broke the scoring drought as she connected on a jump-shot with 16-seconds remaining in the period.

Shook’s seven points led the Cardinals to an easy 27-11 lead at the end of the first period.

The Cardinals did not commit a turnover in the first period, but forced six Aces’ turnovers. However, Louisville struggled with fouls, sending Williams to the charity stripe three times to connect on 3-of-5.

Louisville continued its hot streak in the second period. The Cardinals connected on 10-field goals, while holding the Aces to only 3-field goals.

Evansville struck first as Sara Dickey drove in for a layup, plus one with 9:53 remaining in the half.

The Cardinals were determined to keep the momentum in their favor. Again, the dominant Louisville defense locked down, allowing the offense to lead the Cardinals on a 13-4 run over 4:40.

Shook’s hot hand contributed 6-points, while Durr added two and Moore connected on a three-pointer.

Kerri Gasper broke the silence from Evansville as she fired off a shot beyond the arc. But, Gasper’s trey could not spark a response from the Aces as Louisville surged to another 6-0 run.

Louisville outscored Evansville 23-10 in the second period. The Cardinals held the Aces to a crushing 3-field goals, but allowed Evansville to capitalize at the line, hitting 3-of-5.

Behind Shook’s 13 points and eight rebounds, the Cardinals sailed to the half with a comfortable 50-21 lead.

Louisville was on fire in the first half, connecting on 22-of-45 (49%) from the field. The Cardinals converted 9 Evansville turnovers into 13-points. Louisville also held a 28-21 advantage on the boards.

Louisville’s defensive was smothering, allowing Evansville to hit only 7-field goals. Evansville shot

But, it was Louisville’s display of depth that was truly impressive. The Cardinals’ bench had 30-points in the first half.

Out of the half, the Cardinals continued to dominate. Louisville had, perhaps, its best third quarter of the season limiting Evansville to only 9-points.

Louisville exploded offensively, scoring 12-unanswered points in the first four minutes of the third period. Evansville was unable to score until Macie Lively fired off a three-points at the 6:17 mark.

Again, the Aces were unable to gain an advantage. Louisville responded to Lively’s trey by adding 9 more unanswered points.

Behind Durr’s 8-points, the Cardinals outscored the Aces 28-9 in the third period. Louisville connected on 11-of-17 from the field (65%) and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. The Cardinals limited the Aces to only 2 made field goals; both came from the three-point line.

At the end of three, Louisville led 78-30.

Evansville made late run in the fourth period, outscoring Louisville 17-11, but it was not enough to mount a comeback.

Louisville picked up its 11th win of the season, defeating Evansville 89-47.

“I was really pleased with our effort for three-quarters,” Coach Jeff Walz told the media. He added, “We’ve got to make sure what we don’t do, is we cannot let our shooting affect our energy, enthusiasm, and effort.”

Top Scorers

The Cardinals had four players post double-digits: Kylee Shook led Louisville with 18-points, on 80-percent shooting, and 10-rebounds. Shook pulled down a team-best 8-defensive boards in her first career double-double. Asia Durr followed close behind with 15-points and 4-assists. Mariya Moore racked up 12-points and 3-assists, while Briahanna Jackson added 11-points.

Collectively, the Cardinals shot 50-percent from the field, 40-percent from beyond the arc. Louisville grabbed 11-steals and 50-rebounds in the victory over Evansville.

Evansville was led by Camary Williams. Williams only connected on 2-of-12 from the field, but she was able to capitalize at the charity stripe, hitting 5-of-7.

The Purple Aces grabbed 4-steals, but were plagued by 20-turnovers.

Next Up

The Cardinals travel south to Nashville, Tennessee to face Vanderbilt on Wednesday, Dec. 21.