Lady Cards Douse Red Storm, 89-60

By Paul Sykes

The Lady Cards tonight reminded me of the old jalopy I drove around town as a teenager. Always had trouble getting it started but once it was running it was a smooth, sweet ride.

After five minutes, Louisville was on the wrong end of a 8-5 deficit to St. John’s. Shots weren’t falling, defense was lagging and the players were having trouble getting started. Saddled with two early fouls, Candyce Bingham was a spectator. It was Angel time and the crowd was ready for it. Five minutes later, thanks to the efforts of the All-American, the Cards finished a 12-0 run and never looked back, leading 41-25 at half, 89-60 at the end.

There were a lot of things to like. Let’s look at a few:

— 9 for 17 three-point shooting. The most the Lady Cards have sank all season. Angel McCoughtry with three, part of her 28 points and reserve Janae Howard knocking down two in the first half.  Dez Byrd got into the act, also, with two.

— Out-rebounding the Red Storm by 21. Monique Reid grabbing seven and looking like the heir apparent to Candyce Bingham inside. Angel seemingly collecting them at her whim. Bingham with nine in the second half.  The opponent felt the wrath of the block out and the out hustle.

— Candyce Bingham with 16 second half points after going scoreless in the first 20 minutes. Two spectacular blocked shots and doing what she does best…working in the paint and sinking the soft jumper.

— Angel with 17 first half points. Taking the game over and showing why she’s been Big East Player of the Week five times this year. Slowed down a little in the second half but drilled a couple of nice threes from the top of the key. Always the competitor, not wanting to leave the game with a couple of minutes left, but relaxing and actually laughing and smiling as she watched the reserves mop up.