Lots of tears minutes before tip off for senior members of the University of Louisville women’s basketball team. Tears turning into intensity for the next 40 minutes, the game in doubt for the first three quarters. Nothing but smiles and applause at the end as four Louisville seniors celebrated a 78-52 runaway over a good Clemson team.
Olivia Cochran, Jayda Curry, Merissah Russell and Ja-Leah Williams said goodbye to UofL in front of a crowd of 7,881 fans at the KFC Yum! Center. A struggle for three quarters but no evidence of fatigue in the final 10 minutes this time. The Cardinals outscored the Tigers 24-6 in the fourth quarter. Are they finally putting it all together as tournament action nears. One can only hope.
In their last home appearance, Cochran and Curry would both contribute double-doubles, Olivia with 11 points 10 rebounds, Jayda with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Merissah would come up with three steals.
UofL was led in scoring by freshman Tajianna Roberts with 19 points while connecting on three of eight 3-point attempts. Freshman Izela Arenas may have risen to another level, scoring most of her 14 points in the third quarter, with the game’s outcome still in doubt. Nyla Harris added 12 points and five rebounds.
One more big test as the regular season comes to an end. Louisville will play at South Bend on Sunday at N00n.
