Cards Defeat Notre Dame 71-65

Louisville emerged with another victory this afternoon but continued a trend of making it unnecessarily difficult. The Cards had a 10 point lead with about 8 minutes left to go in the game but instead of running up the score they let Notre Dame close the gap. It was a 1 point game with 1:45 left to go and then once again Dana Evans stepped up and drilled a 3 and made some clutch free throws.

Dana finished the game with 27 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. Kianna Smith had 16 points. Olivia Cochran returned to action and came off the bench to grab 11 rebounds. Mykasa Robinson had 8 rebounds and 2 steals but her defensive intensity was integral to the win.

Coach Walz called Mykasa’s defensive effort “relentless” and said, “She uses her strength, she gets her nose in there, she goes for rebounds. It’s really fun to watch if you want to be honest.” He added, “She is my one that defensively she knows what everybody’s supposed to do. She helps out everybody on the floor. If I could get everybody to just give me ³⁄₄ of what Mykasa gives me at the defensive end of the floor we would completely change.”

Dana said, “Every team needs somebody like Mykasa. She brings that intensity every day and it’s not just in games it’s in practice.... She will do whatever is asked to the best of her ability.”

Mykasa said, “Honestly I just want to win. I want to do what’s right for my team. Whatever it takes. I just want that mentality. I want my teammates to know I’ve got their backs.”

When asked what she’s learned from Dana she said, “I think the biggest thing is to just never back down.... If she wants something she’s going to go get it.” Also, “As my best friend she’s challenged me in ways that have made me grow on the court and off the court.” And her thoughts when she’s watching Dana take over games she said, “Rebound, get her the ball and then get out of her way and let her go to work!”

Next up is Senior Night where Dana Evans will be honored. The game is Thursday again Georgia Tech at 7PM. It can be seen on ACCNX.