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Message: [QUOTE="Dillon77, post: 2515529, member: 6620"] I can see Louisville taking this one if they shoot the eyes out of the basket, early and often. But if they don't -- or if the Irish keep it reasonably close -- I can see the Irish taking this one in a squeaker. Why? While the Irish may only play 7 players (and heavily rely on their starters), Louisville relies on two players for most of their offensive output and direction: Asia Durr and Myisha Hines-Allen, who I feel like is playing in her 10th year against ND. Durr has taken nearly 250 shots and Hines-Allen, at 206, is nearly 100 shots ahead of the next closest Cardinal. While the focus on the "hot player" helps when that player is on, we've seen it work against the Cardinal when the opposition clamps down on one of the options and the fast-running car starts stalling. Same thing happened two years ago when ND clawed back from an 11 point deficit in the second half, led by now departed Maddie Cable and then-frosh Arike Ogunbowale. Importantly, the Irish went after the middle and Hines-Allen fouled out with three minutes left. While Louisville still has the "star-centric" offense, they do have a lot of talent filling in team-playing roles, such as Sam Fuehring of NJ, who starts up front and does a lot of everything for them, much like the Irish's Kat Westbeld. I expect the Irish to play zone early and often and maybe mix it up to keep Durr honest (Jackie Young on Durr?). And expect a lot of going down low to Shep and Kat Westbeld for inside looks and to attempt to get Hines-Allen and Fuehring in foul trouble. Hopefully, Arike will keep her hot streak from Georgia Tech alive in Kentucky, which might allow some slack for Marina Mabrey to get some open looks. Stay tuned.... [/QUOTE]

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