Louisville continued their winning streak with a hard-fought victory over Liberty, ending the game with a score of 72-63. The Cardinals showcased their prowess from the free throw line, shooting an impressive 80.6 percent, with a stellar performance in the fourth quarter where they went 12-for-13 (92.3 percent). This marks the fifth game this season that Louisville has shot 80 percent or better from the free throw line.
The Cardinals have established themselves as a dominant force when they score 70 points or more, boasting an impressive record of 87-5 in their last 92 games dating back to the 2018-19 season. Under coach Walz, Louisville has a record of 316-28 when surpassing the 70-point mark. The team has also been historically successful in the month of November, with a record of 91-18 under Walz and an impressive 39-5 record over the past seven seasons.
Louisville’s dominance extends to their performance against unranked opponents, where they have a remarkable record of 189-10 in their last 199 games. Additionally, they have shown their strength in nonconference play, boasting a record of 179-34 (.840) in regular season games under coach Walz. In the past eight years, the team has been victorious in 81 out of 92 nonconference matchups.
The Cardinals displayed their defensive prowess against Liberty, forcing 21 turnovers for the fourth consecutive game. They also outrebounded their opponents with a 34-24 advantage, maintaining their dominance on the boards in all six games this season.
Individually, Olivia Cochran had an outstanding performance, tying her career high with 21 points and adding 11 rebounds for her 10th career double-double. She was instrumental from the free throw line, making nine shots while also contributing three steals. Cochran joins Nyla Harris, Elif Istanbulluoglu, and Nina Rickards as a Cardinal player to record a double-double this season.
Kiki Jefferson had a standout game with a season-high 20 points. She was perfect from the free throw line, going 8-for-8, and also made valuable contributions on defense with three steals. Nina Rickards continued her strong form, scoring in double figures for the second consecutive game with 12 points. She also added eight rebounds and three assists, showcasing her versatility. Sydney Taylor led the team in assists with four and contributed eight points, three rebounds, and a steal.
Louisville’s performance against Liberty has solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with. Their strong showing from the free throw line, dominant defense, and impressive individual performances highlight the team’s cohesion and determination. As the season progresses, the Cardinals will undoubtedly continue to make their mark on the court.
