Swish Appeal: All Posts by Paige SherrardBasketball is basketball.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49391/swish-fave.png2019-01-18T14:00:00-05:00https://www.swishappeal.com/authors/paige-sherrard/rss2019-01-18T14:00:00-05:002019-01-18T14:00:00-05:00Analysis: Balanced performance by No. 4 Louisville leads to Virginia’s worst loss of the season
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: Final Four-Louisville vs Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l4GsRbBpwxLTf3kfenZrbHK4bqU=/1227x941:3589x2516/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62869712/usa_today_10748149.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Louisville senior guard Asia Durr was unstoppable in the Cardinals victory over the Virginia Cavaliers on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. | Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cardinals handed the Cavaliers their worst loss on the season. Despite the team’s offensive woes, first-year coach and WNBA legend Tina Thompson was proud to see her team keep fighting.</p> <p id="qR94I5">LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The fourth-ranked Louisville Cardinals completely dominated the Virginia Cavaliers in a 91-43 decision. All 11 active players on Louisville’s roster recorded at least two points. </p>
<p id="D9xPyj">“It was a tough game for us,” Virginia Coach <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/tina-thompson/">Tina Thompson</a> said. “I will say my kids continued to fight from start to finish, but there’s just some things you’re going to see against the No. 4 team in the country that you’re not going to see against other teams and we saw a little bit of all of it tonight.”</p>
<p id="tGarhd">Thompson, a legendary former WNBA player, is in her first year at the helm of the Virginia Cavaliers. The <a href="https://www.wnba.com/video/2018-naismith-hall-fame-inductee-tina-thompson/">Hall of Fame</a> forward had a stellar WNBA career that spanned 16 seasons. After hanging up her jersey, Thompson was named an assistant coach for the Texas Longhorns, where she stayed for three years. On April 16, 2018, the University of Virginia <a href="https://virginiasports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=87">announced</a> Thompson as the head coach. </p>
<p id="4KqWDH">In her first season, the Cavaliers have put together a 7-10 record so far. It’s worth noting that Virginia was without 6-foot-9 junior center <a href="https://virginiasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2150">Felicia Aiyeotan</a> for 11 games after she sustained a knee injury early in the season. Aiyeotan is back, but playing limited minutes. Just a season ago, the junior was named to the ACC All-Defensive team and led the ACC in blocked shots. She played 14 minutes against the Cardinals, collecting 5 points and 4 rebounds. </p>
<p id="HcKhFp">Despite the large margin of victory, the Cardinals did not come out hot. In the first frame, Louisville went 7-of-18 from the field and just 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. The match was fairly close heading into the second quarter, however, with Louisville leading 15-11. </p>
<p id="V7ZdWJ">“I thought we played pretty well,” Louisville coach <a href="https://gocards.com/coaches.aspx?rc=654">Jeff Walz</a> said. “We just missed some shots we normally make. We had some transition layups that didn’t go in, we had some open threes and pull up jump shots that weren’t going in.”</p>
<p id="viXzci">But, a 31-9 scoring run in the second frame buried any hope Virginia had for an upset victory against Louisville. The Cardinals shot 68 percent from the field and from beyond the arc, while limiting the Cavaliers to 19 percent shooting. </p>
<p id="hUMveo">Louisville followed up the second quarter with two more quarters of 20-point-plus scoring, to seal the deal. </p>
<h2 id="6nkkHQ"><strong>How Louisville got the win</strong></h2>
<h4 id="w6B15P"><strong>Cardinals shut down Virginia’s leading scorers</strong></h4>
<p id="1JUt3W">One thing the Cardinals did well was limit the Cavaliers’ leading scorers. <a href="https://virginiasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2147">Jocelyn Willoughby </a>— who averages 12.8 points per game — was limited to 1-of-5 from the field, for 2 points, and she collected four rebounds. </p>
<p id="4MyI0v">The Cavaliers looked to <a href="https://virginiasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3735">Dominique Toussaint</a> for points, but the junior guard was limited to 9 points, which is below her 11.3 points per game season average. Toussaint also struggled with turnovers, collecting nine on the evening. </p>
<p id="QfQI9v"><a href="https://virginiasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2151">Mone Jones</a> and <a href="https://virginiasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3738">Lisa Jablonowski</a> each added seven points for the Cavaliers. </p>
<h4 id="72CfKQ"><strong>Cavaliers couldn’t stop Louisville’s Asia Durr</strong></h4>
<p id="92yRr1">Virginia had no answer for senior guard <a href="http://asia25.com">Asia Durr</a>, who racked up 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, seemingly at will. Sophomore <a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8744">Dana Evans</a> was also unstoppable, going a perfect 6-of-6 from the field, including 2-of-2 from three-point range, for 14 points. <a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8749">Kylee Shook</a> was a huge presence in the post, collecting 8 boards while scoring 14 points. She also had a monster block against 6-foot-9 Aiyeotan. <a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8741">Bionca Dunham</a> rounded out Louisville’s double-figure scorers with 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting. </p>
<h4 id="yaxSId"><strong>Rebounding, rebounding, rebounding</strong></h4>
<p id="XQLrUY">Coach Walz stressed the importance of his players needing to rebound as they did in the practice leading up to the match. The Cardinals certainly improved, out-rebounding the Cavaliers, 42-27. </p>
<p id="isYV7E">On the defensive end, Louisville converted 19 turnovers into 21 points and recorded 12 steals. </p>
<p id="qxQXdH">“We were able to get out and push the ball and get the tempo at the speed that we wanted,” Walz said. “I was really really pleased with how we shot it and the areas of the floor we got shots in.”</p>
<h2 id="F5jRTF"><strong>Next up</strong></h2>
<p id="qlt69n">The fourth-ranked <a href="https://gocards.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball">Cardinals</a> hit the road to take on Wake Forest on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m. ET, while the <a href="https://virginiasports.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball">Cavaliers</a> remain on the road to face Pittsburgh on Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. ET.</p>
<aside id="G6JmiJ"><div data-anthem-component="actionbox" data-anthem-component-data='{"title":"Stats","description":"Official stats","label":"Official Basketball Box Score — Virginia vs Louisville","url":"https://stats.gocards.com/custompages/sports/w-baskbl/2018-2019/WBB18-17.pdf"}'></div></aside>
https://www.swishappeal.com/ncaa/2019/1/18/18188169/ncaa-acc-louisville-cardinals-asia-durr-knock-out-virginia-cavaliers-tina-thompsonPaige Sherrard2019-01-10T18:30:00-05:002019-01-10T18:30:00-05:00Player of the Year candidates Ogunbowale and Durr face off in battle for top spot in college hoops
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: ACC Tournament - Notre Dame vs Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I8_6gWGHcr4r4Lg70sTS65rxluM=/0x440:2113x1849/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62825970/usa_today_10677846.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>To stay No. 1, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will have to get past a hungry Louisville team. | Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Not only is it a battle of No. 1 and No. 2 in the AP ranking, but the matchup features two premier guards in Asia Durr and Arike Ogunbowale. Both seniors are candidates for the Player of the Year. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. ET.</p> <p id="jrGffk">Major bragging rights are on the line this evening as the No. 2 <a href="http://gocards.com">Louisville Cardinals</a> battle the No. 1 <a href="http://und.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> for the coveted top spot in women’s basketball.</p>
<h2 id="vGrbPC"><strong>Last time out</strong></h2>
<p id="kjkVV7">The Louisville Cardinals faced the Blue Devils at Duke on Jan. 6. The Cardinals came out strong in their ACC road opener, defeating the Blue Devils, 73-51. </p>
<p id="wSkyQk"><a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8740">Arica Carter</a> was on fire knocking down 7-of-10 three-pointers and racking up 23 points. </p>
<p id="3etTeM">Defensively, the Cardinals limited Duke to less than 15 points per quarter, while forcing 24 turnovers. </p>
<p id="26xewq">The Fighting Irish, meanwhile, are coming off a 76-55 win against Georgia Tech. By the half, the Irish were a perfect 17 assists on 17 made field goals. </p>
<p id="7xCGoP">Led by <a href="https://und.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8541">Jessica Shepard’</a>s 19 points, all five of Notre Dame’s starters finished in double figures. </p>
<h2 id="ubC0n2"><strong>Battle of the senior guards</strong></h2>
<p id="ZlsRXE">Not only is this matchup featuring the top two teams, but also a pair of Player of the Year hopefuls in <a href="http://asia25.com">Asia Durr</a> and <a href="https://und.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8539">Arike Ogunbowale</a>. </p>
<p id="isZa1r">Durr has been a sensation for the Cardinals throughout her career at Louisville.</p>
<p id="Wrl5w0">Just a season ago, the guard was named ACC Player of the Year. Durr was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the Lexington Regional, along with being named a finalist for the Citizen Naismith Trophy and John Wooden Award. </p>
<p id="Eq42Ug">The senior is off to a hot start, averaging 20.9 points per game, putting her at second in scoring in the ACC and 15th nationally. </p>
<p id="Lw2DqE">On the flip side, Ogunbowale is just as powerful of a presence on the court. The senior guard is averaging 22.1 points per game, while shooting 49% from the field. </p>
<h2 id="PB6GzN">
<strong>Team effort</strong> </h2>
<p id="em2cH5">Louisville is offensively stacked with four players averaging double-figure scoring and three more averaging above five points per game. </p>
<p id="sWDOn2">Pacing the Cardinals and averaging 20.9 points is senior guard, Durr. Senior <a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8745">Sam Fuehring</a> is adding 10.7 points, while sophomore reserve <a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8744">Dana Evans</a> is contributing 10.6. Senior Arica Carter rounds out Louisville’s double-figure scorers with 10.1 points per game. </p>
<p id="ZXXeTv"><a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8741">Bianca Dunham</a>, <a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8746">Jazmine Jones</a> and <a href="https://gocards.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8749">Kylee Shook</a> are close behind, averaging 8.1, 8.1 and 7.8 points, respectively. </p>
<p id="WTI1hb">Evans ranks sixth in the ACC in assists, with 59 on the season for a 4.2 average. The sophomore also comes in at fifth in free-throw percentage, while Durr ranks sixth.</p>
<p id="s03Cew">Carter leads the ACC in three-point field goal percentage (.500) and comes in at fourth nationally. </p>
<p id="ZTw8Ch">Notre Dame also boasts a balanced scoring effort with four players in double figures. Ogunbowale leads with 22.8 points, while Shepard falls close behind with 16.3 points. <a href="https://und.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8544">Jackie Young</a> adds 14.5 points per game and <a href="https://und.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8542">Brianna Turner</a> rounds out the double-digit scorers with 11.5 points per game. </p>
<h2 id="peP4qj"><strong>Series history</strong></h2>
<p id="w8Hjlc">Last season, the Cardinals knocked out the Fighting Irish twice, including an 100-67 win at the KFC Yum! Center just a year ago. Louisville also downed Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament Final in a 74-72 victory.</p>
<p id="cLFB4c">Despite the dominance of Louisville in 2017-18, however, Notre Dame holds the series record (14-6).</p>
<p id="aho7bM">The Cardinals look to change their luck in 2019 by winning their first game at Notre Dame in nearly a decade. Louisville’s last win in South Bend was on Jan. 11, 2009. </p>
<p id="7Yv7GL">However, that will be a tough task as the Fighting Irish know how to protect their home court. Notre Dame has only lost three of its last 105 games at home. Each of the losses were to UConn.</p>
<h2 id="4v5iog"><strong>Fast facts</strong></h2>
<p id="0LF5Fe">Ranked No. 2 in the latest AP Poll, the Louisville Cardinals reached their highest ranking in program history. Louisville is seeking its first win against a No. 1 team since beating Baylor in the 2013 NCAA Tournament. </p>
<h2 id="wKT562"><strong>Game information</strong></h2>
<h4 id="s4bxEA"><strong>No. 2 Louisville Cardinals (14-0, 2-0) at No. 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1, 2-0)</strong></h4>
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<p id="0N5pMo"><strong>When:</strong> Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="ykKAvR"><strong>Where:</strong> Purcell Pavilion, South Bend, ID</p>
<p id="MwerNk"><strong>How to watch:</strong> ESPN</p>
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<p id="ctZKvI"></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/ncaa/2019/1/10/18177147/ncaa-acc-defending-national-champions-notre-dame-fighting-irish-battles-louisville-cardinalsPaige Sherrard2018-03-25T21:12:37-04:002018-03-25T21:12:37-04:00Louisville's Final Four Bound After Flying Past Oregon State
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Lexington Regional-Oregon State vs Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zIgsyxUIlGt_TMbotOZYE2449Dk=/0x0:3240x2160/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59155663/usa_today_10733535.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cardinals converted 19 Oregon State turnovers into 24 points in a blowout. Louisville heads to the Final Four for the third time in 11 seasons. </p> <p id="BwCVcD">Lexington, KY -- The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals dominated the Lexington Regional to earn a spot in the Women’s Final Four. </p>
<p id="lAHZtc">Junior guard Asia Durr was named the Region’s Most Outstanding Player while Sam Fuehring, Arica Carter and Myisha Hines-Allen were named to the All-Region team.</p>
<p id="pbkHYB">Despite his team’s amazing season, Louisville head coach Jeff Walz says he more proud of his team’s accomplishments off the court.</p>
<p id="x02GV7">”When my daughters were out there in the yard, and Lola tells me she’s Lola Hines-Allen today, and Lucy, you’re going to be Lucy Durr, and then she tells Mom, you’re going to be the official, and Dad can still be the coach, you know, it’s the impact that they have on their lives that means everything to me.”</p>
<p id="Zs4Atg">Walz, who is in his 11th year coaching at the University of Louisville, has led the Cardinals to three Final Four appearances. </p>
<p id="auxTQ6">”I think a program that had never been to a Sweet 16 until 11 years ago can now say every player that’s finished four years has had the opportunity to play in a Final Four. I think that’s pretty impressive.” Coach Walz said.</p>
<p id="xqWEEN">Perhaps, just as impressive was Louisville’s balanced attack against the Beavers. The Cardinals played a tough, lockdown defense with a quick offense on the other side against Oregon State, forcing 19 turnovers and tallying 24 points off turnovers.</p>
<p id="Dn00Jj">Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck said that he warned his players about Louisville’s quick and stealthy offensive attack.</p>
<p id="Xkkphb">”We talked about the speed,” Coach Rueck said. “I mean, that’s the last thing I said to the team. Remember how fast this is going to come at you offensively. Be ready. That’s the last thing I said before the tip.” </p>
<p id="gNqPyE">The Cardinals were able to dismantle every strategy the Beavers threw their way. Louisville, in particular, kept Maria Gülich from playing her A-game. Gülich came into the contest averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds to go along with six blocks and only three turnovers in tournament play. However, Sam Fuehring kept Gülich in check. The senior from Germany fouled out early in the fourth quarter and was held to only 14 points and eight boards with seven turnovers and two assists.</p>
<p id="vJN9qJ">”For me, it was to limit her touches and to keep her off the boards,” Louisville junior Sam Fuehring said. “She’s a big girl, so I mean, she’s got like three inches on me, two inches, so I’ve got to use my strength to keep her off the boards.”</p>
<p id="CcscIh">With Gülich struggling, Oregon State was unable to keep up with the Cardinals. Oregon State had to look to freshman Taya Corosdale - who averages 6.7 points - to step up and knock down shots. Corosdale collected 11 points going 3 - of - 6 from beyond the arc and 2 - of - 2 from the charity stripe. </p>
<p id="e4NGHt">The Cardinals also held the two of Oregon State’s top scorers well below their season averages. Pivec - who averages 11.3 points and 7.2 rebounds - was held to five points and four rebounds, while Kat Tudor - who averages 12.1 points - was held to only seven points. </p>
<p id="TawLM8">After upsetting two giants in Tennessee and Baylor, the Beavers’ Cinderella-like run stopped at the Elite Eight.</p>
<p id="b4tPAk">The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals advance to its third Final Four in 11 seasons behind a 76 - 43 decision.</p>
<p id="ggkiOD"></p>
<p id="9RbXOl"><strong>Top Scorers</strong>:</p>
<p id="tkAcuE">Louisville had four players score in double-figures: Asia Durr led all scorers with 18 points, including a game-best four triples. Myisha Hines-Allen collected 16 points, but only three rebounds. Sam Fuehring added 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Arica Carter notched 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists. </p>
<p id="M3yAw9">For Oregon State, two players hit double-digits: Marie Gülich tallied 14 points and eight boards while Taya Corosdale added 11 points and six rebounds.</p>
<p id="3yRis9"></p>
<p id="fQVv6G"><strong>Next Up</strong>:</p>
<p id="dE0uYF">The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals move on to the Final Four in Columbus, Ohio, where they will face the winner of Mississippi State vs. UCLA.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2018/3/25/17162758/louisville-cardinals-oregon-state-elite-eight-final-four-ncaa-tournament-columbus-womens-basketballPaige Sherrard2018-03-24T23:00:05-04:002018-03-24T23:00:05-04:00Sweet 16: Louisville Overpowers Stanford, 86-59
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Lexington Regional - Louisville vs Stanford" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kfSBTq0_ao8oiFKPn8wrTP4fccg=/0x0:3821x2547/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59149543/usa_today_10729934.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Louisville’s physicality was too much for to Stanford to handle.</p> <p id="sNFIWV">Lexington, KY -- The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals are moving on to the Elite Eight after defeating the Stanford Cardinal, 86 - 59.</p>
<p id="ACBCT6">The fourth-seeded Stanford Cardinal, led by legendary head coach Tara VanDerveer, came into its 11th consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearance motivated. It was also Stanford’s third straight appearance in the Lexington Regional. In the last two years, the Cardinal knocked off top-seeded Notre Dame to advance to the Final Four. This year, the Cardinals of Louisville were too much to handle.</p>
<p id="ulMzzR">Similar to last year, Stanford was behind at the half, 42 - 31. A team known for making comebacks, the Cardinal could not make the adjustments it needed it in the second half. Head coach Tara VanDerveer credits Louisville’s physicality for causing issues.</p>
<p id="GLoAnc">”I thought they were extremely aggressive, and they were quick to the ball,” she said. “A lot of times -- they were just more physical. You know, just sometimes you kind of just get kind of put on your heels right away, and I don’t think we recovered very well.”</p>
<p id="Tqa2rf">The matchup was probably Louisville’s most physical outing of the season. The Cardinals battled for everything. The late start - at 9:52 PM - had no effect on Louisville as the Cardinals’ starters picked up 73 of Louisville’s total 86 points.</p>
<p id="NsjUG1">Led by junior guard - and leading scorer - Asia Durr, Louisville picked apart everything Stanford threw at them. In the first half alone, the UL forced 12 turnovers. They were able to control the offensive glass, pulling down eight offensive boards and tallied 10 second-chance points.</p>
<p id="nawY9x">Louisville continued its dominance in the second half, outscoring Stanford 44 - 28 in the final two frames. Defensively, the Cardinals were locked in, forcing 19 turnovers, while only committing two turnovers itself in that second half.</p>
<p id="xGg0bU">”If you’re not playing them, I think you could really enjoy watching them play,” VanDerveer said. “They pass the ball well, they shoot the ball well. They work hard on defense. They’re extremely physical, as our players pointed out. A very well-coached team and a very unselfish team. They score well together.”</p>
<p id="gOBdkz">Louisville’s performance - from start to finish - was indicative of its family mentality.</p>
<p id="mJz9AJ">”I’ve got a group of young women that have bought into that.” Coach Walz said. “I mean, they’re great to be around. It’s really hard to tell when someone has had a bad day on our team. And you have them. But everybody doesn’t have to know. And I commend them for that, and I think that’s why they enjoy playing with each other as much as they do.”</p>
<p id="9yLJ2p">Louisville advances to its fourth Elite Eight under Coach Walz and second in four years. </p>
<p id="sNhMRi"></p>
<p id="w4BJwh"><strong>Top Scorers</strong>: </p>
<p id="Chelym">Louisville had four players collect double-digits: Asia Durr led all scorers with 24 points and five assists. Myisha Hines-Allen eclipsed 2,000 career points for her career picking up 17 in the match. Arica Carter notched 13 points and Jazmine Jones added 10 points. </p>
<p id="ChoYZW">For Stanford, two players racked up double-figures: Brittany McPhee paced the Cardinal with 15 points and six boards, while DiJonai Carrington added 14 points. </p>
<p id="7POGwc"></p>
<p id="BhHRod"><strong>Next Up</strong>:</p>
<p id="g4dp3u">The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals will face the six seeded Oregon State Beavers on Sunday at Noon. The two will battle for a Regional Title and a trip to Columbus, Ohio for the Final Four.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2018/3/24/17160054/louisville-cardinals-womens-basketball-overpowers-stanford-cardinal-final-score-ncaa-tournamentPaige Sherrard2018-03-18T17:16:11-04:002018-03-18T17:16:11-04:00Louisville Cardinals Soar Past Marquette into the Sweet Sixteen
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: Notre Dame at Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K3Q-rex5DoetILbbNu9MxSao3eg=/0x0:4453x2969/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59073807/usa_today_10537615.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals are headed to the Sweet Sixteen for the second consecutive year.</p> <p id="MEqDG6"><em><strong>Louisville, KY</strong></em> -- The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals are moving on to the Sweet Sixteen after running past the Marquette Golden Eagles, 90 - 72.</p>
<p id="gU5VX6">In her last game at the KFC Yum! Center, Myisha Hines-Allen put on a show. The lone senior hit her first ten shots from the field, finishing with 24 points and 13 rebounds for her 16th double-double of the season.</p>
<p id="f2emSz">”It was my last game here and I wanted to go out with a win and my teammates got that for me,” an emotional Hines-Allen said after the game. “I’m just so thankful to make it here this far and have great teammates around me and wonderful fans that actually come out to the games and know what they are watching and just support us.”</p>
<p id="moCgJC">As the senior took her final stroll across Denny Crum Court, in front of 8,000 fans, Hines-Allen bent down at center court and kissed the Cardinal bird logo. </p>
<p id="SKs65F">Hines-Allen’s post play has been crucial for the Cardinals. The forward leads the ACC in career double-doubles with 45 and holds the season rebounding top spot averaging 9.8 boards a game.</p>
<p id="pcSg6j">Hines-Allen, along with Sam Fuehring, gave life to Louisville’s post play. Collectively, the duo pulled down 21 of Louisville’s 42 rebounds. </p>
<p id="8I5fvY">Marquette, a team that lacks physicality in the post, could not compete with Louisville’s post players, in particular, Hines-Allen.</p>
<p id="jcKpwC">”We don’t have a physical presence like her that we can keep throwing bodies at her” Marquette head coach Carolyn Kieger said. She continued, “We’re just one too many big bodies short.”</p>
<p id="VLQQMU">Louisville’s guards also stepped up in a big way. Asia Durr bounced back from a scoring slump, picking up 19 points as she started the game 4-4 from the field. The junior guard notched 10 points in the first frame, knocking down two triples. </p>
<p id="eyyXDM">Sophomore guard, Jazmine Jones, went 6-9 from the field for 14 points. Jones also pulled down six rebounds and dished out seven assists. Louisville’s guards combined for 40 of Louisville’s 90 points and 19 of the Cardinals 27 assists. </p>
<p id="leP52K">After the win, marking a second consecutive trip to the Sweet 16, Louisville head coach Jeff Walz explained why, aside from spectacular shooting, his team has been so successful.</p>
<p id="6HeEBW">”I want them to be able to laugh. I think laughter is a key to success,” Coach Walz said. “If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? And I think it just calms them down, it gives them a little peace.”</p>
<p id="hocaDg">At the end of the first half, the Cardinals led the Golden Eagles, 52 - 27. Louisville shot 70% from the field, picking up 32 points in the paint. Unfortunately, the Cardinals got sloppy in the second half, and Allazia Blockton took over. The junior guard notched 20 points in the second half and finished with a career-high 34 points. </p>
<p id="5K3RUU">”We had to do everything we could to make it difficult for [Natisha] Hiedeman to score and Blockton to score,” Coach Walz said. “And I thought we did that the first half. Now, Blockton put on a clinic there in the second half. She was very, very impressive.”</p>
<p id="TmWsaN">Despite Marquette winning the second half, the Golden Eagles were unable to come closer than 17-points. </p>
<p id="fvMIDt">Louisville advances to the Sweet Sixteen for the eighth time under head coach Jeff Walz. The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals will face the winner of No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast in Lexington.</p>
<p id="vnotCU"></p>
<p id="ibkrp4"><strong>Top Scorers</strong>:</p>
<p id="KJzcZX">Louisville had four players earn double-figures: Myisha Hines-Allen paced the Cardinals with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Asia Durr came out of her shooting slump to collect 19 points, five rebounds and six assists. Sam Fuehring also earned 19 points on 8 - of - 12 shooting. The junior was just shy of a double-double pulling down eight rebounds. Jazmine Jones notched 14 points, six rebounds and seven assists.</p>
<p id="qDpwte">For Marquette, two players grabbed double-digits: Allazia Blockton scored a game-high 34 points, six rebounds and five assists. While Erika Davenport added 11 points and nine rebounds.</p>
<p id="KzqtOl"></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2018/3/18/17136942/louisville-cardinals-soar-past-marquette-into-the-sweet-sixteenPaige Sherrard2018-03-16T20:04:32-04:002018-03-16T20:04:32-04:00Louisville's Bench Shook Boise State
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: Notre Dame at Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W_ABogs29rWLmcLsq2OBNM-uzM4=/0x0:4453x2969/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59060467/usa_today_10537615.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With Asia Durr and Myisha Hines-Allen struggling to score, Louisville looked to its bench for production. Sophomore Kylee Shook had no problem picking up the slack as she went 5-of-8 from the field for 14 points.</p> <p id="1qlhQN"><em><strong>Louisville, KY</strong></em> — The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals powered through a sluggish first half to blow out the 16th seeded Boise State Broncos, 74 - 42. With Louisville’s leading scorers struggling to grab buckets today, the Cardinals looked to its bench for momentum.</p>
<p id="vkYxNk">Louisville head coach Jeff Walz let his feelings be known early when he pulled a few of the Cardinals’ starters and replaced them with Kylee Shook and Bianca Dunham. Coach Walz was not getting what he wanted from his starters. But, Shook and Dunham turned the game around making an immediate impact.</p>
<p id="bA11s2">Dunham and Shook combined for 10 of Louisville’s 21 first-quarter points. Shook knocked down back-to-back triples to put Louisville up, 17 - 8.</p>
<p id="c44Kvf">”The bench did a great job,” Senior Myisha Hines-Allen said. “Kylee and Bionca came off the bench and gave us a spark. That’s when we went on the run.”</p>
<p id="kfVozE">The second frame was stagnant for both teams. Louisville made only five field goals for 11 points. </p>
<p id="njRPVO">The Cardinals started out 0 - of - 3 from the field in the first four minutes. Louisville’s leading scorer, Asia Durr, was 1 - of - 5 in the game. Without Durr knocking down shots, the Cardinals struggled to keep the offensive momentum from the first quarter. </p>
<p id="DlTKWU">But, a second wave hit Louisville, pushing the Cardinals out to a 32 - 22 lead at the half. </p>
<p id="huq5jK">”You know, it’s a ten-point game at the half, and then we’re able to come out defensively in the second and kind of get things going,” Coach Walz said. “It’s the first game in the NCAA tournament. There are always going to be jitters, some excitement. We missed some shots we normally don’t miss, but then we finally started to get things going.”</p>
<p id="O2dKvm">It was truly a tale of two halves. Louisville came out hot in the third period. The Cardinals put up nine unanswered points in the first minute to take a 41 - 22 lead. Boise State had to take a timeout with 8:33 remaining in the frame. </p>
<p id="XIJ6Nw">Louisville was not only holding the Broncos scoreless, but the Cardinals were not even letting Boise State make shots. After the first timeout, Boise State was 0 - of - 1 with two turnovers, while Louisville was 4 - of - 5 from the field. The Broncos did not score its first points in the second half until Marta Hermida connected on a jump shot. </p>
<p id="4QPcwc">Unfortunately, any shift in momentum the Bronco’s were hoping to get from Hermida’s jump shot was quickly squashed as Louisville got out to another 9 - 0 run. </p>
<p id="3aJDiT">The Cardinals blew the doors off, outscoring Boise State, 18 - 4, into the first media timeout of the second half. Louisville went up, 50 - 26. </p>
<p id="V9Cjd3">Louisville found its success attacking the glass and the paint. The Cardinals grabbed 20 - of its - 27 third-quarter points in the paint while outrebounding the Broncos, 11 - 3.</p>
<p id="OBzqGV">”That’s one of the things that we were focused on, trying to get the ball inside and score inside,” Hines-Allen said. “We have phenomenal post players who can score and make moves.”</p>
<p id="CDhPXR">Despite turning the ball over six times in the third, the Cardinals managed to hold Boise State to 27% shooting. Louisville’s defense was not allowing the Bronco’s to capitalize on its mistakes. </p>
<p id="92bIwU">Behind a near-perfect third frame, the Cardinals ran out to a 59 - 30 lead.</p>
<p id="3yhuKO">Louisville grabbed another six unanswered points midway through the final period. The Boise State Broncos played a good game, but could not handle Louisville’s pressure.</p>
<p id="M5pXzh">The Cardinals head to the second round behind a 74 - 42 win. </p>
<p id="LcxAPW">Despite the huge win, Coach Walz had nothing but praises for the Boise State Broncos.</p>
<p id="yv6piR">”I can see why they’re successful as they are great, great ball club. I thought they competed. I thought they played hard. We just did a really good job defensively on contesting a lot of shots.”</p>
<p id="Vej75U"></p>
<p id="b5tuXc"><strong>Top Scorers</strong>: </p>
<p id="AaJuYJ">The Cardinals had four players notch double-figures: Sam Fuehring earned a double-double on 14-points and 11-rebounds. Kylee Shook also grabbed a double-double with 14-points and 10-rebounds. Jazmine Jones went 5 - of - 6 from the field for 10-points, while pulling down six boards. Rounding out the top scorers is Bianca Dunham who dropped 10-points.</p>
<p id="LGJrUT">Despite only scoring four points, Myisha Hines-Allen led all players with 14-rebounds.</p>
<p id="X3l16V">For the Broncos, their lone senior Shalene Shaw paced Boise State with 12 points. </p>
<p id="6KmQK3"></p>
<p id="MHGKAL"><strong>Next Up</strong>:</p>
<p id="Ho7djs">The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals will face the eighth-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles on Sunday. Time is TBA. </p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2018/3/16/17131708/louisvilles-bench-shook-boise-statePaige Sherrard2018-03-04T18:08:27-05:002018-03-04T18:08:27-05:00Louisville snaps Notre Dame's ACC championship streak
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: ACC Tournament - Notre Dame vs Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V2NWDZathMy4dx0n0bPuezXc1r4=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58901271/usa_today_10677615.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>The Louisville Cardinals earned its first conference title in 25 years with a thrilling victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.</em></p> <p id="BFU5Tj"><em><strong>Greensboro, N.C.</strong></em> — The top seeded Louisville Cardinals are the 2018 ACC Conference Champions. </p>
<p id="ko2Ev2">The Cardinals have not won a conference tournament championship since 1993 when Louisville won the Metro Conference Tournament Championship.</p>
<p id="JNtYou">In a game that had 14 lead changes and eight ties, the Cardinals outlasted the four time ACC Conference Champions Notre Dame. </p>
<p id="zX1Dv4">In the previous meeting between the two teams, Louisville handed Notre Dame its worst loss of the season, in a 100-67 decision.</p>
<p id="uQIiAl">The Fighting Irish looked to avenge the blowout, this time with the ACC Conference Tournament Championship on the line. </p>
<p id="6ljMav">And they nearly succeeded.</p>
<p id="KthkZc">In a match where Marina Mabrey was not shooting the ball well, Arike Ogunbowale and Jessica Shepard came up huge for Notre Dame. </p>
<p id="koCsZj">In the first frame alone, Shepard was able to score in the paint at will, picking up 11 of the Irish's 21 first quarter points. </p>
<p id="cgCjrd">Notre Dame came out hot early, going on a 6-0 run while holding Louisville scoreless for nearly two minutes. The Irish were able to pull ahead by three points, 10-7, before Louisville guard Arica Carter fired off a triple to tie the game at 10. A 10 - 2 run put the Cardinals up, 17-10 into the first media timeout.</p>
<p id="mceSPz">The Fighting Irish tried its best to get Louisville's starters in foul trouble early and succeeded. Sam Fuehring, Jazmine Jones and Myisha Hines-Allen each picked up two fouls in the first frame, limiting their minutes. With Louisville in foul trouble, Notre Dame picked up seven unanswered points behind Shepard and, again, tied the game at 19. </p>
<p id="knxQMV">But, the Cardinals overcame the adversity. Louisville and Notre Dame ended the first quarter tied at 21. </p>
<p id="sLhwdE">Asia Durr came alive in the second frame. The junior guard, who has not had the best conference tournament, scored seven points on 3-of-7 shooting. </p>
<p id="UyP2UN">The Cardinals would take an early three point advantage behind scoring from Durr and Carter, but Notre Dame stormed back grabbing six unanswered points.</p>
<p id="xyAeVs">The Irish looked to bench player, Kristina Nelson, to fill in for Mabrey, who went 2-of-10 in the first half. Nelson came up big for Notre Dame with eight points in the second frame alone. Nelson was unstoppable and helped the Irish to a 37 - 35 lead at the half. </p>
<p id="Q0vL6y">For the third day in a row, the Cardinals came out of the half re-energized and ready to compete. Despite taking an early five point deficit, Louisville outscored Notre Dame 20-13 in the third quarter. </p>
<p id="B3AcJN">Louisville was able to look to its forwards, who were in foul trouble early in the match. Hines-Allen and Fuehring combined for 12 of the Cardinals' 20 points. </p>
<p id="hkDl7w">The Cardinals shot 88% from the field into the first media timeout of the second half. Louisville held Notre Dame scoreless for the final two minutes of the quarter and took a five point led into the final 10 minutes, 55-50.</p>
<p id="ZefT8H">Louisville would extend the lead to eight before Notre Dame, behind Ogunbowale, grabbed six easy points. The Irish would come as close as one points, 63-62, before falling in the final seconds.</p>
<p id="seETyY">Ogunbowale knocked down two triples in the final seconds, but it was not enough. The Cardinals squashed the Irish's hope to make history as the first ACC team to win five straight regular season and conference titles. </p>
<p id="G37X5k">A new queen of the ACC was crowned as Louisville outlasted Notre Dame, 74-72.</p>
<p id="ZhbWyv">The Cardinals completed its incredible conference season with an 18-1 record, an ACC Regular Season title and an ACC Conference Tournament title.</p>
<p id="k9u6QG"><strong>Top Scorers</strong>:</p>
<p id="WAopBW">Louisville had five players notch double-figures: Asia Durr found her groove and led the Cardinals with 17 points and five rebounds. Arica Carter knocked down four three-pointers and earned 16 points, while dishing out a team-best six assists. Myisha Hines-Allen grabbed 15 points, nine boards and four assists, while Sam Fuehring also added 15 points on 6-of-6 shooting. Rounding out the top scorers for the Cardinals was Jazmine Jones who collected 11 points and six assists. </p>
<p id="oXAX3e">For Notre Dame, two players notched double-digits: Jessica Shepard led all scorers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Arike Ogunbowale added 20 points. </p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2018/3/4/17078694/louisville-conquers-notre-dame-wins-1st-acc-title-ncaawPaige Sherrard2018-03-03T17:56:25-05:002018-03-03T17:56:25-05:00ACC Championship Battle Set: Notre Dame vs Louisville
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: ACC Tournament Notre Dame vs Florida State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t0N3iEJPls2cMaOQbYqs4VRCFNs=/0x0:2005x1337/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58893455/usa_today_10672191.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Notre Dame had zero points from its diminished bench, but that did not keep the Fighting Irish from making it back to the ACC Championship game for the fifth consecutive year. </em></p> <p id="rv0kkW"><em><strong>Greensboro, N.C.</strong></em> -- Notre Dame's diminished bench did not keep the Fighting Irish from knocking out the Florida State Seminoles, 90 - 80.</p>
<p id="XyGMIL">While the Irish finished with a 10 points advantage, Notre Dame certainly did not have a cakewalk to the victory. </p>
<p id="YZcOG9">Marina Mabrey was a force for the Fighting Irish in the first half. Mabrey could not miss. In the first period alone, the junior guard racked up 12 points. She had 17 points at the half. </p>
<p id="OLSCl9">Behind Mabrey, Notre Dame jumped out to an early 23-15 lead in the first frame. The Fighting Irish were able to hold off Shakayla Thomas, who scored eight consecutive points for the Seminoles. The Irish forced three Seminole turnovers and went on a 10 - 0 run, while holding Florida State scoreless for nearly three minutes. </p>
<p id="cXc6QT">But, Florida State was determined to fight back. The Seminoles outscored the Fighting Irish, 28-19, before the half. Nicki Ekhomu led Florida State with 12 points in the second quarter. At the half, Florida State had turned a nine point deficit into a one point lead, 43-42. </p>
<p id="3E7bAd">The Seminoles did not let off the gas in the third period. Florida State would go up as much as eight points behind Thomas, while keeping the Fighting Irish scoreless for nearly two and half minutes. Notre Dame was forced to burn a timeout.</p>
<p id="iMKnZR">While the Fighting Irish were down, they were not out. Notre Dame stormed back on a 14-4 run to close out the third frame. The Irish would go on to outscore the Seminoles 40-24 and take a 90-80 victory.</p>
<p id="eCAkwI">The key factor to Notre Dame's rally was Arike Ogunbowale. The guard, who picked up a technical foul in there second quarter for tripping Ekhomu, turned her frustration into momentum. Ogunbowale went 2-of-5 in the first half. In the second half, the guard kicked it up, going 7-of-13 from the field. Ogunbowale finished the game with 20 points.</p>
<p id="RSX1lu"><strong>Top Scorers</strong>: </p>
<p id="GxnGZZ">Notre Dame had five players notch double-figures: Marina Mabrey led all scorers with 27 points, on 8-of-17 shooting. Despite only scoring four points in the first half, Arike Ogunbowale finished with 20 points, seven boards and five assists. Jessica Shepard went 11-of-11 from the charity stripe, 3-of-5 from the field, to collect 17 points, while Jackie Young added 14 points. Rounding out the top scorers for Notre Dame was Kathryn Westbeld who racked up 12 points.</p>
<p id="CdVIEV">For the Seminoles, three players grabbed double-digits: Shakayla Thomas led Florida State with 24 points and seven rebounds. Nicki Ekhomu added 18 points, six boards and five assists, while Imani Wright collected 13 points.</p>
<p id="lCng0X"><strong>Next Up</strong>: </p>
<p id="ZOklrK">The Fighting Irish are set to face the top seeded Louisville Cardinals for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/acc-championship-game">ACC Championship</a> on Sunday at 2 PM (EST).</p>
<p id="J3gg3T"></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2018/3/3/17076122/acc-tournament-notre-dame-resilient-duo-returns-irish-final-ncaawPaige Sherrard2018-03-03T15:27:12-05:002018-03-03T15:27:12-05:00ACC Tournament: Cards squeak by Wolfpack
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: ACC Tournament NC State vs Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sx8M9UO40eDvp2c56wolZ3YyBRM=/0x1093:3129x3179/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58892647/usa_today_10671615.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>The No. 4 Louisville Cardinals found a way to win again on Saturday as they held off No. 23 NC State. With the win, the Cardinals will play in its first ACC Tournament championship game.</em></p> <p id="v50itd"><em><strong>Greensboro, N.C.</strong></em> -- For the first time since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference, the top-seeded Louisville Cardinals will play for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/acc-championship-game">ACC Championship</a>. Louisville bounced back from another sluggish start to overcome the North Carolina State Wolfpack in a 64-59 decision.</p>
<p id="Hs9ejV">"You know, it’s just the one thing I can say about this team, I’ve got confidence in them," Louisville head coach Jeff Walz said. "I’ve got faith in them. I trust them. You know, we got down early, and I didn’t call time-outs. You know, I’m like, hey, you guys got it, let’s go. Let’s execute."</p>
<p id="Vwrb8L">But, the Cardinals have not had an easy road. Both Virginia Tech and North Carolina State have given Louisville a run for its money. </p>
<p id="igqOWa">For the second game in a row, Louisville had to look to someone other than Asia Durr for scoring. </p>
<p id="GUz0TM">The Cardinals had no problem picking up the slack. Sam Fuehring collected 15 points and Jazmine Jones added 13. Myisha Hines-Allen also helped out the Cardinals with 12 points and Arica Carter notched 11 points. Again, Louisville proved when one player is out, others can step up to the plate.</p>
<p id="A9mPst">The Cardinals struggled with NC State early as Chelsea Nelson picked up seven points in the first 4:40. Durr’s lack of defense forced Louisville head coach Jeff Walz to sit his leading scorer on the bench for nearly two minutes. </p>
<p id="Oa5LIv">Louisville pulled within one point after a layup from Bianca Dunham, but the Wolfpack countered with a Kiara Leslie layup and an Aislinn Konig triple. At the end of the first quarter, NC State held an 18-12 advantage over the Cardinals.</p>
<p id="tk7XRg">But, Louisville did not look terrible. The Cardinals shot 45% and Fuehring led Louisville with six points. The Cardinals leading scorers went 1-of-3 from the field in the first frame. Louisville’s biggest struggle was a lack of rebounding. NC State outrebounded Louisville, 11-4. </p>
<p id="uOLi9S">Coach Jeff Walz told leading rebounder Hines-Allen if she did not start rebounding, he would put her on the bench. </p>
<p id="gKQDw2">Luckily for Louisville, Hines-Allen responded. The senior forward came out strong in the second quarter, grabbing three boards. The Cardinals got down as much as eight before Jones connected on a jump-shot, which led Louisville on a 7-0 run. The Cardinals pulled within one, 24-23. </p>
<p id="DcowCn">The Wolfpack would not give up. Nelson collected five quick points, putting NC State back up by six. </p>
<p id="VtdfA2">The Cardinals fought back, holding the Wolfpack scoreless for the final four minutes before the half, while Louisville was able to take the lead for the first time, 32-31. </p>
<p id="KNBLFR">Louisville shot 64% in the second quarter with scoring from Hines-Allen, Jones and Arica Carter.</p>
<p id="s9e5i5">Out of the half, Louisville came out focused. The Cardinals hit seven field goals on six assists and grabbed four rebounds in the first five minutes. Louisville outscored NC State 14-7 to take a 46-38 lead.</p>
<p id="dRQcki">But, Jones picked up her third foul and Louisville struggled to hold on to the ball, turning it over three times at the end of the third frame. </p>
<p id="s6OLxf">NC State capitalized on Louisville’s scoring woes, running out on a 6 - 0 run to come within three, 47-44.</p>
<p id="7Bo8Jq">The Wolfpack were able to come within four, but ultimately, NC State did not have to power to upset Louisville. </p>
<p id="Ss6H0y">"We’re really excited about the opportunity to play tomorrow, there’s no question about that," Louisville head coach Jeff Walz said. "And we’re going to enjoy this for a few hours here until we find out who we play." </p>
<p id="sNlCpH"> <strong>Top Scorers</strong>: </p>
<p id="ii4jFy">The Cardinals had four players notch double-figures: Sam Fuehring led Louisville with 15 points on 50% shooting. Jazmine Jones added 13 to go along with four assists. Myisha Hines-Allen picked up 12 points and seven boards, while Arica Carter finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists.</p>
<p id="4wnrQO">For the Wolfpack, two players grabbed double-digits: Chelsea Nelson led all players with 20 points and nine rebounds. While Akela Maize added 14 points and eight boards.</p>
<p id="JuhmSE"><strong>Next Up</strong>:</p>
<p id="nUETpg">The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals will face the winner of Florida State and Notre Dame tomorrow, March 4th.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2018/3/3/17075884/acc-tournament-louisville-advances-final-ncaawPaige Sherrard2018-03-02T21:04:26-05:002018-03-02T21:04:26-05:00Hokies nearly upset Cardinals
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<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: Louisville at Connecticut" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fYWDOGGJtrLTSA8uCJjj5vjUUDM=/0x238:2345x1801/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58887145/usa_today_10607424.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>Virginia Tech entered Friday’s game after a strong performance Thursday against Syracuse. The Hokies confidence was still high as they battled Louisville and led most of the game. That is until Myisha Hines-Allen started to take over.</em></p> <p id="48H066"><em><strong>Greensboro, N.C.</strong></em> -- The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals held off Virginia Tech behind a stellar performance from its forwards.</p>
<p id="lFnqPx">Louisville’s leading scorer, Asia Durr, started out 0-of-8 from the field and picked up two fouls before knocking down her first bucket, a three-pointer, midway through the second frame. </p>
<p id="h4IiVW">With Durr rendered ineffective, Louisville struggled to keep up with Virginia Tech’s lights out shooting. Knocking down three triples in the first five minutes and seven in the first half alone, the Cardinals had its hands full.</p>
<p id="hLYNvw">”A lot of people stepped up in game when Asia was struggling from the field,” Hines-Allen said. “That’s what makes us such a great team because anyone can step up. It’s anyone’s game when we’re playing how we normally play.”</p>
<p id="dXIyJM">Most effective for the Hokies was freshman Aisha Sheppard who fired off four of Virginia Tech’s seven three-pointers.</p>
<p id="z62kNy">Louisville looked to junior forward Sam Fuehring to keep the Cardinals in the game. Fuehring racked up nine points, on 4 - of - 6 shooting, and five rebounds. Her dominance on the defensive glass kept Virginia Tech from getting easy second chance points.</p>
<p id="qjU9iS">Despite picking up two fouls early in the first period and spending time on the bench, Louisville senior and former ACC Player of the Year, Myisha Hines-Allen started to heat up before the half. Hines-Allen only played 10 minutes in the first half, but she was able to contribute five points and two boards.</p>
<p id="6VjdAk">Nearly everything that could go wrong for Louisville in the first, did go wrong. The Cardinals could not find its groove. Players were in foul trouble. Durr only hit two field goals. Virginia Tech could not miss from beyond the arc. At the half, Louisville trailed 39 - 33.</p>
<p id="APn0j7">”We knew they were going to give us their best shot,” Myisha Hines-Allen told the media. ”They are going to play hard for 40 minutes and we weren’t too caught up in the score. We knew what we had to do to adjust so we can win the game.” </p>
<p id="8tHSPw">And adjust it did. Louisville came out of the half re-energized and focused. Hines-Allen picked up nine easy points in the first five minutes, taking Louisville on a 7-0 run by herself. Hines-Allen, unfortunately, picked up her fourth foul with 4:54 remaining in the third quarter, but it did not phase the Cardinals.</p>
<p id="68MCUF">Louisville extended the run, outscoring Virginia Tech 14 - 2 to take a 49 - 43 lead. The Cardinals collected 23 points in the third frame, 13 of which came from Louisville forwards, Fuehring and Hines-Allen.</p>
<p id="8hUSds">But, the Hokies refused to quit. Taylor Emery, who was unconscious throughout the entire game, and Rachel Camp grabbed four quick points to bring Virginia Tech within two.</p>
<p id="zDMgbZ">When the momentum started to shift, Fuehring provided a spark for the Cardinals, hitting a crucial jump-shot to lead Louisville on a 7- 0 run. Heading into the final period, Louisville held a 56 - 52 advantage.</p>
<p id="YSiJME">Virginia Tech was able to pull within one, 60 - 59, before Fuehring and Hines-Allen led Louisville to another 7 - 0 run. Hines-Allen grabbed five quick points firing off a three-pointer and grabbing a layup.</p>
<p id="kEWNK0">Louisville coach Jeff Walz joked in the post game press conference that the team said a prayer when Hines-Allen fired off the triple.</p>
<p id="nDBW3D">Hines-Allen responded, “it was answered.”</p>
<p id="v5fxPk">With 3:40 remaining and the momentum in Louisville’s favor, the game seemed over.</p>
<p id="DvCHID">However, in March, nothing is as it seems. Emery, refused to go down without a fight. The junior guard connected on two triples and a layup to, again, bring Virginia Tech within striking distance. But, it was too late.</p>
<p id="nXhB6j">Despite outscoring Louisville, 11 - 6 in the final three minutes, the Cardinals held on to grab a 73-70 victory. </p>
<p id="n05ine">Virginia Tech’s phenomenal three point shooting kept the Cardinals on its toes until the last second. </p>
<p id="a0g3w7"><strong>Top Scorers</strong>: </p>
<p id="ZM6OXa">Louisville had four players notch double-figures: Myisha Hines-Allen earned her 15th double-double on the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Sam Fuehring picked up 17 points on 6 - of - 10 shooting to go along with six boards. Jazmine Jones added 12 points and pulled down eight rebounds, while Asia Durr finally found her shot and finished with 10 points on 3 - of - 19 shooting.</p>
<p id="ffZW6n">For the Hokies, four players also grabbed double-digits: Taylor Emery led all-scorers with 27 points and six rebounds. Rachel Camp added 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Aisha Sheppard knocked down 12 points. Regan Magarity rounded out the top-scorers with 10 points and seven rebounds.</p>
<p id="CzttmE"><strong>Next Up</strong>:</p>
<p id="jVf0c0">The top seeded Louisville Cardinals take on the fifth seeded NC State Wolfpack in the Semifinals tomorrow at noon. </p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2018/3/2/17073692/hines-allen-saves-louisville-against-vt-ncaaw-accPaige Sherrard