Why consistency of Liz Dixon, Olivia Cochran has been vital for Louisville basketball

Coming off a 19-point performance at NC State, Olivia Cochran wasn't feeling well entering Sunday's game against Wake Forest.

Louisville's standout sophomore forward had an upset stomach, but fought through it to play 19 minutes for the Cardinals. She didn't have her best day, but Liz Dixon had her back with 12 points, five rebounds and one block in 16 minutes.

That's the scenario Louisville has seen so often from its post duo. Cochran and Dixon, in their own individual ways, have improved from last season. But together they've provided Louisville a consistent presence in the post. A presence that when one is off, the other is on and vice versa.

It's been a key part to Louisville sitting at 16-2 and No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Coaches' Poll. It'll be key as Louisville heads into the back end of its schedule and postseason as well.

"It's been important for us. We have added some post scoring with both of them," coach Jeff Walz said.

More: Louisville back to its winning ways with blowout win over Wake Forest at home

The biggest names for Louisville often play on the perimeter.

Hailey Van Lith and Kianna Smith lead the team in scoring. Emily Engstler, though a forward, plays inside and out in a versatile role for the Cardinals, and is third in scoring and the leading rebounder.

Often overlooked on a national scale are Cochran and Dixon, but they aren't forgotten in-house. Cochran is fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 8.1 points and 5.4 rebounds. Dixon is at 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds off the bench.

Those aren't jaw-dropping numbers, but they play crucial roles.

"They get tough rebounds. People crash hard on us and (Dixon) and Olivia get tough rebounds for us," Van Lith said. "Quick finishes, too. In our pick and rolls, we can get a throw back right it into them and they get a quick finish with an and-1 sometimes. It's stealing those buckets for us, those easy buckets that are really high percentage allowed us to pull away."

As Louisville continues to grow, its half-court sets have become more efficient as well. Louisville made 26 baskets in Sunday's win over Wake Forest, with 19 assists. Many of the half-court sets are run with perimeter passing, to a post and then back out. Louisville plays well when it works through the post.

Cochran and Dixon have done well when the ball gets to them too. Cochran is shooting 49% from the field and Dixon is shooting 53% this season.

More: Chris Mack says Louisville basketball is still 'engaged' after 64-52 loss at Virginia

For Dixon, who before Sunday went scoreless in three of the previous five games, said the key for her has been keeping her confidence high.

"I think it was staying confident. I struggled the past couple games but it's just doing what I have been doing," Dixon said. "Staying confident and keeping in my routine, focusing on the scout so I know what we are running, what we need to do and how I can score here or there."

It is one thing Walz appreciates from Dixon. She doesn't get too high or too low after a big win, loss or individual performance.

"No matter what takes place she comes back the next day and continues to grind and get better. It was nice to see that pay off for her," Walz said. "She did a great job of finishing around the rim, she was patient, made some nice moves getting to the other side of the rim instead of going up and shooting behind her. Then I apologized to her because I thought she played more than 16 minutes.

That gives Louisville a consistent one-two combo with Dixon and Cochran. When one is off, the other has usually been on for the Cardinals.

Then there's times like the Boston College win on Dec. 30 when they combine for 20 points, 11 rebounds and shot 7-of-11 from the field.

"Hopefully we are both on for one game, but I'm glad it's always one of us," Dixon said. "She helps me get better and I help her get better too so it's been a great relationship."

Cameron Teague Robinson CTeagueRob@gannett.com; Twitter: @cj_teague;

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville women's basketball: Liz Dixon, Olivia Cochran duo is key