If all you knew of this game was the final score you would be forgiven for thinking Louisville had an easy time of it tonight. If, however, you watched the game you would know that Ball State kept the pressure on Louisville until the very end. You would also know that every time Ball State made a run and cut the lead that the Cards kept their cool and came up with big plays on both ends of the floor.
Imari Berry led Louisville in scoring with 22 to which she added 6 rebounds. Tajianna Roberts had
18 points. Mackenly Randolph finally returned to action after her injury last week and immediately made an impact. She had 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 assists.
Coach Walz said, “I thought it was a great test for us. I said that, and I hope our fans appreciate the fact that I’m always honest with our kids. I knew this was going to be a very physical and very tough game. Ball State is a really good basketball team.”
He praised Amiya. “[She] played outstanding. She was really, really fantastic for us. The way she scored the basketball in the paint…. I thought she had big baskets. When they would make a run I thought she did a really nice job.”
He also gave credit to Zamareya Jones who had 9 assists and 0 turnovers. “She’s explosive off the dribble. She knows how to change pace. Those are things with her size that makes her unique. Surprising in a game like this that she only had 1 board she normally does a better job of rebounding.”
Next up is a big match-up against ranked UConn at the Yum Center. The game is Sunday at 5:30 and can be seen on ESPN. Even numbered sections should wear red, and odd numbered sections should wear black.
