LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a nonconference play on Wednesday night, Bellarmine University fell to Louisville by a score of 73-43 in the first meeting between the two women’s basketball teams in historic Freedom Hall in more than two decades. For Bellarmine (4-7), which has played Louisville (8-4) in each of its three Division I seasons, sophomore guard Hayley Harrison scored a game-best 21 points, matching a career-high. For the Knights, freshman center Gracie Merkle had eight rebounds, matching a game-high.
Until the 2009-10 season, Freedom Hall served as Louisville’s home court; the Cardinals had not played there since when Bellarmine made the transition to Division 1. The last time the Knights and Cards met in Freedom Hall was in December 1999, prior to Wednesday. “I can’t say enough nice things about (Louisville Head Coach) Jeff Walz,” Chancellor Dugan, the Knights’ head coach, said. I really appreciate him coming to our homecourt in Freedom Hall to bring his program and assist us in developing our game.
The Knights of Bellarmine had a rough first half, trailing 34-8 at halftime. But Bellarmine settled in after the break, and the Cardinals only outscored Bellarmine 39-35 in the final two quarters. During the game, BU lost the ball 19 times, but only three of those turnovers occurred in the second half. Dugan stated, “It was huge, us taking the basketball (in the second half).” In the first half, we were our own worst enemy.
We were always doomed to turnovers whenever we got anything going. I’m happy we emerged and played the manner in which we did in the last part.” With 19 points, Louisville was led by Preseason All-American Hailey Van Lith, and Chrislyn Carr added 13 points. Carr’s seven assists led the Cardinals, who shot 47.8 percent overall and had 20 assists. Additionally, she contributed four of Louisville’s 13 steals.
I thought we did a great job when we played them on halfcourt. We weren’t very good at stopping the ball and picking up in transition in that first half, and as a result, they got some easy looks.” Harrison scored 17 of her 21 places in the last part. She made 7-of-15 field goals and 6-of-6 free throws in the game.
Over the final two periods, junior guard Claire Knies scored seven points. Cam Browning, a senior forward, had five rebounds. Saturday at 1 p.m. (ET), Bellarmine will play Wofford. Dugan referred to Wofford, saying, “I know they all shoot the ball, and they are all very long.” We will have a great time trying to improve in this game. The scout is completely different from Louisville.