Short wins Home Opener 75-51

Louisville appeared to start their game against Southern Indiana with some jet lag left over from their recent trip to Paris. The defense was porous and the Screaming Eagles flew down the field with ease. USI went on a 9-3 run to take the lead, but Merissah Russell’s three 3-pointers helped the Cards take a 22-21 lead into the second quarter.

Momentum changed permanently in the second quarter. The defense tightened up and the Cards went on an 18-0 run and USI never recovered. Louisville led 43-25 at halftime and finished the game 75-51.

Olivia Cochran led Louisville in scoring with 15 plus 6 rebounds. Tajianna Roberts had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Nyla Harris had 9 points and 2 rebounds. The Cards finished the game with 17 assists.

Coach Walz said, “The first quarter was terrible.” He added: “Our effort wasn’t where it needed to be. Our shoot-around today was poor. We kind of went through things and thought, oh, we’re just going to show up… and we’re going to have a lively discussion afterwards. And that turned out. That’s how we came out and played in the first quarter.”

Still, he was pleased with the attitude and play of transfer Ja’Leah Williams. “What I appreciate about Ja’Leah is that she played 15 minutes tonight, and out of all the starters, she played the fewest minutes, but she was over here cheering the whole game. She was excited for her teammates. .. it’s about the team. It’s about the others getting the chance to come out and play. She really reminds me of Asia Durr.”

Of other players, he said, “I thought Taj played well again. She barely played the second half and is going 4 of 8/3 of 6 (from 3) and has 4 assists and 0 turnovers. I thought O played extremely well. O bounced the ball back and really got us going.”

Next, the cards travel to UT-Martin. The game is on Tuesday, November 12 at 19.00 and can be seen on ESPN+.