Image Source: Rachel Brand
Key Takeaways
- The Louisville Cardinals struggled in the first half but made a strong comeback in the second half to win the game
- Elif Istanbulluoglu played a crucial role in the victory with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and only 2 turnovers
- Coach Walz was disappointed with the team’s slow start and the poor performance of Laura Ziegler
- The Cardinals will face Pitt at the Yum on Sunday at 2PM
Introduction to the Game
The Louisville Cardinals did not have a strong start to their game against Miami, trailing by 2 points at halftime. However, the team made a significant turnaround in the second half, with a completely different team showing up on the floor. As Coach Walz noted, "We found a way to win but it was ugly. It was not at all a good showing for us." Despite the poor start, the Cardinals were able to outscore Miami 27-12 in the third quarter, setting themselves up for a strong finish.
Turnaround in the Second Half
The Cardinals’ second-half performance was a marked improvement from their first-half struggles. As Coach Walz said, "When you don’t play well and you can still find a way to win you’ve got to be excited." The team’s offense and defense both stepped up, with Elif Istanbulluoglu playing a huge part in the victory. She had a "big time game" according to Coach Walz, with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and only 2 turnovers. Her performance was particularly impressive given the physicality of the game, with Coach Walz noting that she "BATTLED with 0 [Ra Shaya Kyle]. Probably one of the most physical games she’s played."
Imari Berry’s Scoring Clinic
In the fourth quarter, Miami attempted to mount a comeback, cutting the lead to 8 points. However, Imari Berry put on a scoring clinic, scoring 11 of her 16 points in a two-minute span. This helped to close the door on Miami’s hopes and secure the win for the Cardinals. Berry’s performance was a key factor in the team’s victory, and her ability to score under pressure was impressive.
Coach Walz’s Assessment
Coach Walz was not pleased with his team’s slow start, stating that he was "really disappointed with our effort." He noted that the team was not focused or sharp, and that this was evident in their performance. He also expressed disappointment with the play of Laura Ziegler, who had 0 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 turnovers. According to Coach Walz, this was "her worst game she’s played in a Louisville uniform," and he emphasized that she "can’t do that if we’re going to win." Despite these criticisms, Coach Walz was pleased that the team was able to find a way to win despite not playing well.
Upcoming Game
The Cardinals will face Pitt at the Yum on Sunday at 2PM, with the game being broadcast on The CW. After their uneven performance against Miami, the team will be looking to improve their play and come out strong against Pitt. With Elif Istanbulluoglu and Imari Berry leading the way, the Cardinals will be hoping to build on their win and continue to improve their performance. As Coach Walz noted, the team needs to be focused and sharp if they are going to win, and they will be looking to put their slow start against Miami behind them and move forward with a strong performance against Pitt.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/louisville-defeats-miami-77-68-225546120.html