Schimmel and Lady Cards Stun Xavier, 85-75

Shoni Shimmel is the Jimmer Fredette of Women’s Hoops.

The freshman phenom Shimmel had a career high 33 points to lead the Cardinals to their third ever NCAA Sweet 16.  Louisville stormed back in the final eight minutes of the game, holding Xavier to five minutes without a field goal. The Lady Cards even forced six turnovers in six straight Musketeer possessions.

Schimmel's 33 points were the decider in a shootout with Xavier.

Schimmel’s effort was the coming out party for Louisville’s latest superstar. Her athleticism and raw talent mirrors that of former Louisville All-American Angel McCoughtry. Schimmel’s turn around jumper to bring the Cards level with Xavier was nothing short of electricifying. It was a superior move, usually seen with players far beyond her age.

Louisville was able to upset Xavier on their home floor, bringing a healthy caravan of fans from the Derby City along for the ride. Xavier had previously been undefeated in 25 games at the Cintas Center, but Louisville was bothered little by the hostile enviroment.

The young Lady Cardinals upended a much more mature team that made it to the elite 8 last year. Xavier featured four senior starters and was expected to make another big run. Yet when tradition expects experienced hands to lead their teams to victory, young guns won out in Cincinnati.

The Cardinals will now meet 11-seed Gonzaga on Saturday at 9pm on ESPN. A victory in the Sweet 16 will set up a matchup with the one seed Stanford.