In a thrilling match-up at the KFC Yum! Center, the Louisville Cardinals secured a hard-fought victory over the DePaul Blue Demons, with a final score of 81-74. The game, attended by 7,456 fans, showcased the Cardinals’ dominance on their home court.
Under the guidance of head coach Jeff Walz, the Cardinals have a stellar track record in home openers, boasting a record of 15-2. Additionally, they have been particularly successful in the month of November, with an impressive 88-17 record. This win cements their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in nonconference play, as they have a record of 176-33 against unranked opponents.
The Cardinals displayed their depth and versatility throughout the game. Olivia Cochran was the standout player, setting a career high with 21 points. She also contributed three assists and three steals, showcasing her all-around skills. Cochran’s consistent performance was evident as she once again led the team in assists.
Joining Cochran in double figures was Eylia Love, who had an impressive performance with 16 points, along with three rebounds, two steals, and an assist. The Cardinals’ depth was further highlighted by Nyla Harris, who recorded her first career double-double with 13 points and a team-leading 11 rebounds, falling just one rebound short of her career high. Nina Rickards also made significant contributions, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
The Cardinals demonstrated their defensive prowess, particularly in the second quarter, where they held the Blue Demons to just nine points. This marks the second time this season they have held their opponents to single-digit points in a quarter, showing their ability to stifle their opponents’ offense. Last season, they achieved this feat 22 times, a testament to their defensive excellence.
Another area where the Cardinals excelled was their bench production, outscoring the Blue Demons with a 33-3 advantage. This marked the first time this season they tallied 30 or more bench points. In the previous season, they had nine such games and won eight out of those nine.
Furthermore, the Cardinals displayed their efficiency from the free-throw line, converting 25 of their 31 attempts, equating to 80.6 percent accuracy. This is the second consecutive game they have made over 25 free throws and shot over 80 percent. Last season, they achieved this milestone just once. Such consistency from the free-throw line is proving to be a valuable asset for the Cardinals.
Finally, the Cardinals showcased their dominance on the boards, with a total of 41 rebounds. This marks the second consecutive game where they have achieved 40 or more rebounds. Last season, they had 13 such games and won 12 out of those 13, underscoring their rebounding prowess.
With this victory, the Cardinals continue to build upon their impressive record, boasting 179 wins and an .847 winning percentage since the start of the 2017-18 season. This puts them in fourth place for most wins and fifth place for winning percentage in the NCAA during that time frame. The Cardinals’ dominance at the KFC Yum! Center is also noteworthy, as they have a record of 193-31 over the past 13 seasons. In the last six seasons alone, they have an outstanding 88-7 record at home.
The Louisville Cardinals have set the bar high with this victory, displaying their depth, defensive prowess, and efficiency from the free-throw line. As they continue their season, they will undoubtedly be a team to watch out for in the NCAA.
