In a hard-fought battle at the Merrell Center, the Louisville Cardinals fell short to the Alabama Crimson Tide with a final score of 78-73. This marked the first time this season that the Cardinals trailed at halftime, highlighting their resilience in previous games.
Despite the loss, the Cardinals have a strong track record when scoring 70 points or more. In fact, they are an impressive 86-5 in their last 91 games when surpassing this scoring threshold. Head coach Walz has instilled a winning mindset in his team, with a 315-28 record when reaching the 70-point mark.
The month of November has been particularly successful for the Cardinals under the leadership of Coach Walz. They boast an impressive 90-18 record during this month, with a stellar 38-5 record over the past seven seasons.
Louisville has consistently dominated unranked opponents, evident by their impressive 188-10 record in their last 198 games against such teams. Coach Walz has also achieved remarkable success in nonconference play, with a record of 178-34 (.840) against nonconference foes in regular season play.
Over the past six seasons, the Cardinals have been a force to be reckoned with, accumulating a total of 181 wins and maintaining an impressive .846 winning percentage. These statistics rank fourth and fifth, respectively, in the NCAA during that span.
With an aggressive defense, the Cardinals were able to force 20 turnovers against Alabama, marking the third consecutive game in which they have achieved this feat. This defensive effort is a testament to the team’s commitment and discipline on the court.
Individually, Nina Rickards had a standout performance, achieving her first double-double with the Cardinals. She recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and contribution to the team. Rickards joins Nyla Harris and Elif Istanbulluoglu as the third Cardinal to achieve a double-double this season.
Sydney Taylor continued to impress, reaching double figures in scoring for the fourth time in five games this season. She contributed 17 points to the team’s effort against Alabama, showing her consistency and offensive prowess.
Nyla Harris was a key player in the Cardinals’ offensive attack, tying her career-high with a team-high 18 points. She also showcased her rebounding abilities, hauling in eight rebounds, the second-highest on the team. Harris has had an impressive four-game streak of scoring 10 or more points.
Leading the way in distributing the ball was Jayda Curry, who recorded a season-high six assists. Her court vision and playmaking skills were crucial in creating scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Though the Cardinals fell short against Alabama, their statistics and individual performances show promise and resilience. With a chart-topping record under Coach Walz, Louisville is expected to bounce back and continue to compete at a high level in their upcoming games.
