Louisville Cardinals Dominate Bucknell Bison 77-44
Louisville, KY – The Louisville Cardinals continued their impressive start to the season with a commanding 77-44 victory over the Bucknell Bison at the KFC Yum! Center. The win improves the Cardinals’ record to a perfect 4-0, marking the 10th time they have started the season with such a record under head coach Jeff Walz.
In a display of balanced team play, 10 different players contributed to the scoring for the Cardinals. This has been a recurring theme throughout their first four games, with at least nine players scoring in each contest.
Defense was key to Louisville’s success, as they extended their winning streak to 36 games when allowing 59 points or less. This impressive streak dates back to the 2020-21 season. Over the past nine seasons, the Cardinals boast an impressive 143-4 record when limiting their opponents to 59 points or less.
Offensively, the Cardinals have been dominant when reaching the 70-point mark. They are now 86-4 in their last 90 games when scoring 70 points or more, dating back to the 2018-19 season. Under Coach Walz, Louisville’s record stands at an impressive 315-27 when surpassing the 70-point threshold.
The Cardinals have also shown their dominance against unranked opponents, winning 188 of their last 197 games. In nonconference play, Louisville holds an 80-10 record over the past eight years. This has contributed to a total of 181 wins and a .850 winning percentage since the start of the 2017-18 season, ranking them fourth in wins and fifth in winning percentage among NCAA teams during that span.
The KFC Yum! Center has been a fortress for the Cardinals, with a record of 195-31 over the past 13 seasons. In the last six seasons alone, Louisville has an impressive home record of 90-7.
The Cardinals showcased their defensive prowess in this game, allowing single-digit points in both the second and third quarters. This feat has become familiar to Louisville, as it is the sixth time this season they have held their opponents to single-digit points in a quarter. They achieved this 22 times last season.
Louisville’s efficiency from the free-throw line has also been a highlight of their early-season success. Against Bucknell, they converted 18 of 21 attempts, an impressive 85.7% shooting percentage. This marked the fourth consecutive game that the Cardinals have shot 80 percent or better from the free-throw line. It is the first time they have achieved this streak since last season, where they accomplished the feat from Dec. 11 to Dec. 21.
The Cardinals’ dominance on the boards continued in this game, as they corralled 40 rebounds. This has been a recurring theme, as they have recorded 40 or more rebounds in all four games this season. Last season, Louisville achieved this feat 13 times and were victorious in 12 of those games.
Louisville’s defense was also on full display, forcing 26 turnovers against Bucknell. This marked the second consecutive game in which they forced 20 or more turnovers. They also recorded a season-high 17 steals, the most since their game against SIUE last season.
Individually, Sydney Taylor had a standout performance. She surpassed the 1,500 career point mark, finishing the game with 17 points and reaching a total of 1,516 points for her career. Taylor has scored in double figures in all three games this season and has led the team in scoring each time.
Olivia Cochran impressed on the boards, leading the team with eight rebounds while also contributing 11 points. She also recorded three steals, making it her second game this season with three or more steals.
Eylia Love was efficient from the free-throw line, going a perfect 8-for-8 and scoring 10 points. She also led the team with four steals and added five rebounds.
Nyla Harris continued her scoring streak, reaching double figures for the third straight game with 10 points. She also contributed six rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal.
Nina Rickards provided contributions in multiple categories, totaling six points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. She has recorded two or more assists in every game this season.
Kiki Jefferson and Jayda Curry both had four assists, while also making key contributions in scoring, rebounding, and steals.
Hennie van Schaik had a season-best performance, scoring seven points and making two three-pointers.
The Louisville Cardinals are poised to continue their dominant start to the season with their next matchup against their nonconference opponent. They will look to build upon their impressive record and continue their winning ways on both ends of the court.
