winning streak

In their last doubleheader, Kentucky showcased their talent by sweeping both Northern Kentucky and EKU with a 7-0 result against each team. Graduate JJ Mercer and freshman Matt Rankin were standout players, each securing four wins for the Wildcats.

The Cardinals showed dominance on both ends of the court in the first half, holding Duke to a season-low four points in the second quarter alone. Louisville went on a 16-0 run that lasted 9 minutes and 18 seconds, giving them a comfortable 35-19 lead at halftime.

In their last game before the holiday break, Kentucky dominated Louisville with a 95-76 win at the KFC Yum! Center. Super senior Antonio Reeves led the charge with an impressive 30-point performance. Freshman Reed Sheppard also had a standout game, contributing 11 points and 11 assists. Sheppard’s outstanding performance earned him the title of Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive time.

Leading the way for the Cardinals was Kiki Jefferson, who had an impressive game with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists. This performance marked her seventh consecutive game scoring in double figures. Olivia Cochran also had a solid showing with 12 points and six rebounds, while Sydney Taylor contributed 13 points and three assists.

The Cardinals showcased their defensive prowess, limiting Morehead State to a mere eight points in the second quarter. This has become a trend for Louisville, as they have now held their opponents to single-digit quarters on nine occasions this season, a significant improvement from last season’s 22 such quarters.

Louisville enters Wednesday’s game on a five-game winning streak, including a 73-61 victory over rival Kentucky. Head coach Jeff Walz secured his 450th career win in that game, solidifying his position as the program’s winningest head coach.

In fact, over the past six seasons, the Cardinals have only lost two games in December and have won their last eight games in the month dating back to last season. Against nonconference opponents, Louisville has an impressive record of 183-34 in regular season play under Walz. Their dominance extends further, as they have an 85-11 record in non-conference play over the past eight years.

Louisville enters this clash with momentum on their side, as they are currently riding a four-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was a dominant 80-40 performance against NC A&T on December 3 at home. The Cardinals’ defense once again proved to be formidable, as they secured their 38th consecutive win when holding their opponents to 59 points or less. In fact, Louisville has limited their opponents to 59 points or fewer in five of their nine games this season.

The Cardinals have been a force to be reckoned with when facing nonconference opponents under Coach Walz. They hold a remarkable 182-34 (.843) record against nonconference foes in regular season play, and have won 84 out of their last 95 non-conference games. Since the start of the 2017-18 season, Louisville has amassed 185 wins, ranking fourth in the NCAA, and boasts a winning percentage of .849, ranking fifth during that span.

Louisville displayed a balanced attack against the Aggies, as five players scored in double figures and seven players contributed with six points or more. This depth of scoring is a key factor for the Cardinals, as they had 10 players contribute on the scoreboard. The team’s ability to involve multiple players in the scoring allows for a well-rounded offense.