While 52 points was barely enough for the men to pull out a win on the road against a struggling Georgia Tech team, it was not enough offense for the 8th ranked Lady Cardinals (23-4, 11-3) to beat the 4th ranked Fighting Irish from Notre Dame (26-2, 13-1).  Assisted by a 16-0 second half run, the Irish pulled away from the Lady Cards mid-way through the second half to escape with the victory.

What the final score does not indicate is the ferociousness with which this game was played.  Jeff Walz’s ladies came to play early and led by as many as five in the first half.  They did so in large part due to offensive rebounding, grabbing 10 in the first half.  While the Lady Cards battled on the glass, their cold shooting woes did not allow them to take control of the game early.  Shooting just 37.5% in the first frame, the Cards were unable to build upon their early five point lead and took a three point halftime deficit with them to the locker room at 31-28.

The second half found much of the same for the Lady Cards, this time however, they would struggle more offensively and only shoot 29% for the half.  The rebounding advantage that had been so dominant in the first half (23-15) was also erased when Notre Dame outrebounded Louisville 18-14 in the second half.  Perhaps the biggest stat line of the night however came from Notre Dame Forward Brianna Turner who had seven blocks, with six of those coming in the second half.

Leading the way for Coach Walz team was a three headed attack of Sara Hammond, Mariya Moore, and Shawnta’ Dyer with eleven points a piece.  Hammond also paced the Lady Cards with nine rebounds while Jude Schimmel doled out seven assists.  Next up for the Cardinals is Boston College on Thursday Night at the KFC Yum! Center.  Game time is 7:00 p.m.  The game will be the final home game for Seniors Sara Hammond, Sherrone Vails, Shawnta’ Dyer, Bria Smith, and Jude Schimmel.  It will also be Native American Appreciation Night.

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Keith Poynter

Keith Poynter graduated from the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law in May of 2011. While in law school, Keith studied Sports Law as well as other core curriculum. Prior to becoming an attorney, Keith worked in the insurance industry for 6 years, and was a police officer in both Kentucky and Tennessee for 6 years. As an avid sports fan, former basketball official and current youth sports coach, Keith is heavily involved in sports when not at work or with his family at the lake. Keith's diverse background makes him an excellent source for legal opinion about issues surrounding the sporting world. Whether the matter be criminal or contractual, Keith's unique experience and education allows him to offer insight that may be missed by the casual fan. Keith is available for commentary on any legal issues that may arise in the Kentuckiana area and will routinely post articles concerning local and national sports law topics.

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