LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Jude Schimmel and Emmonnie Henderson scored 12 points apiece to lead seventh-ranked Louisville to a 73-51 rout of Evansville on Monday night.
The Cardinals (12-1) scored the game's first 13 points, all off turnovers. They would keep the pressure going throughout the first half to force 15 turnovers by Evansville (5-6) in the first 20 minutes, leading to 23 of their 41 points.
Louisville outrebounded Evansville 45-26, led by Henderson's nine. About the only area where the Cardinals struggled was from the perimeter, as they made just 2 of 15 3-pointers.
Evansville pulled within 12 points in the second half but could never draw closer.
Sara Dickey led the Purple Aces with 14 points.
She scored Evansville's first seven points, and the Purple Aces cut Louisville's lead to 17-12 midway through the first half. But the Cardinals went on a 14-3 run highlighted by Schimmel's steal and coast-to-coast layup.
Evansville made things a bit interesting when Louisville coach Jeff Walz experimented with wholesale substitutions early in the second half. Dickey had a chance to cut Louisville's lead to 10 with 7:21 left. But she missed both free throws. Schimmel, who shot 5 of 7, responded with a jumper that made it 61-47.
Ten players scored for the Cardinals. Bria Smith added 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
TIP-INS:
Louisville: Under Walz, the Cardinals are 8-0 in their first game after the Christmas break. Coming into Monday's game, Louisville had won those by an average of 29 points.
Evansville: The Purple Aces were facing their second ranked opponent this season. They lost 83-39 to West Virginia on Nov. 26.
UP NEXT
Louisville: Opens ACC play Friday by hosting Georgia Tech.
Evansville: Opens Missouri Valley Conference play at Missouri State.
