The Louisville Cardinals continued their winning streak with a dominant 74-48 victory over Morehead State. This win marked their sixth consecutive victory, a feat they have achieved in each of the last 13 seasons.
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.
The Cardinals’ defensive strength was further highlighted as they extended their winning streak to 39 games when allowing 59 or fewer points. Over the past nine seasons, they boast an impressive 146-4 record when achieving this defensive milestone.
Louisville’s ability to force turnovers was instrumental in their victory, as they capitalized on 17 turnovers by Morehead State. This season, they have consistently forced their opponents into 15 or more turnovers in each game, displaying their defensive tenacity.
Under head coach Jeff Walz, the Cardinals have excelled in the month of December, boasting a record of 96-15. Their dominance in this month extends even further, as they have won their last nine December games dating back to last season. The Cardinals have also showcased their depth and balance on offense, with 11 players contributing to the scoring in this game. This marked the second time this season that all 11 players scored, and the Cardinals remain undefeated in such games.
In terms of historical success, Louisville has an impressive 184-34 record against nonconference opponents in regular season play under Coach Walz. Over the past eight seasons, they have an outstanding 86-11 record in non-conference games. Their overall performance since the 2017-18 season places them among the top teams in NCAA, with 187 wins and a winning percentage of .850, ranking third and fifth, respectively.
In individual player performances, Olivia Cochran delivered her second double-double of the season, recording 16 points and 11 rebounds. This achievement placed her among the five Cardinals’ players who achieved a double-double this season. Kiki Jefferson continued her impressive scoring streak, contributing 12 points in just 17 minutes of play. Nyla Harris also had a strong performance with 16 points and nine rebounds. Merissah Russell and Nina Rickards made significant contributions off the bench, with Russell tallying seven points and Rickards leading the team with five assists.
The Cardinals’ victory over Morehead State showcased their dominant defense, balanced scoring, and impressive depth. With their winning streak intact, the Cardinals are poised for continued success as the season progresses.
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