In case you missed it, another University of Louisville basketball team is moving forward in NCAA tournament action. Next stop is Baylor in the Sweet 16 Sunday at Oklahoma City.
Sara Hammond, displaying a new level of toughness, was the battering ram in a decisive 76-63 win over a Purdue, a game in which the Lady Cards led from the opening tip to the closing horn. Heeding Jeff Walz call for her to get physical, Hammond muscled her way through a smothering Purdue defense, collecting a game-leading 21 points, including eight of 14 field goal attempts and a three-pointer, while leading her team with 10 rebounds.
Antonita Slaughter would finally find her range again, sinking three three-pointers on her way to 16 points. Shoni Schimmel was good for three more and a total of 14 points.
Bria Smith is doing quite well, thank you, after twice getting clobbered, knocked to the floor, lying there several minutes but somehow managing to return to action. Don’t let anyone tell you the women’s game isn’t physical.
The Lady Cards out-shot and out-rebounded Purdue, turning their 38-32 edge on the boards into 24 second-chance points. They got 33 points off Purdue’s 22 turnovers while improving their record to 26-8.
Rick Schimmel and Ce Ce Moses, the parents of Shoni and Jude Schimmel, witnessed one of the most impressive performances by the Lady Cards this season before 9,236 fans at the KFC Yum! Center.
So glad the Schimmel sisters’ parents were able to see in person what we have been privileged to see all season long. Everyone has heard about Shoni, but Jude is becoming a really special player, also. Last night she scored 7 points, managed 6 assists, committed 8 steals, and snagged 4 rebounds, and several times helped bring the huge crowd to its feet!
And what a sweet ending for Shelby Harper in her at-home playing time, to score the final two points of the game. We will certainly miss Shelby’s energy and spirit.
This season has been so much fun, in spite of the injuries. We will remember Monique Reid, especially, for her steadiness and savvy; Antonita Slaughter has been coming on, as has Bria Smith, so next season looks great.
On to the Sweet Sixteen — again! GO CARDS!!!
Go Lady Cards! What a remarkable accomplishment this season has been!