Thrilling Overtime Clash
In a thrilling overtime clash on Sunday, the No. 9 Louisville Cardinals overcame a substantial 13-point deficit to secure an 88-80 victory against the North Carolina State Wolfpack, marking their impressive 11th consecutive win.
Key Performers
Leading the charge for Louisville was Imari Berry, who scored a remarkable 33 points and pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds to dominate the court.
The Cardinals had initially struggled, trailing 47-34 following a daunting 14-2 run by NC State in the third quarter. However, Berry turned the tides by scoring the last eight points in the third quarter within just 53 seconds, allowing Louisville to narrow the gap to 50-47 as they transitioned to the fourth quarter.
Skylar Jones also played a crucial role in the comeback, contributing 17 points and scoring the initial five points in a crucial 7-0 run that catapulted Louisville into a 64-58 lead. They made the most of their opportunities as well, securing 10 offensive rebounds despite missing all seven of their 3-point attempts in the first half.
NC State’s Efforts
As the clock dwindled, NC State, who had their own standout performances from Khamil Pierre and Zamareya Jones, couldn’t manage to overcome critical errors. Pierre tallied 26 points, while Jones added 20 points, including a pivotal 3-pointer late in the game after returning from injury with a protective mask. However, NC State’s hopes for a victory against a ranked opponent, their first since defeating No. 2 Connecticut last season, were dashed.
Significance of the Win
Louisville’s triumph not only marked a significant win against their rival but also ended a six-game losing streak in the series against the Wolfpack, following their recent win against No. 23 Notre Dame.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Louisville is set to host Boston College next Sunday, while NC State will travel to Virginia for their next matchup.
Stay informed with the latest highlights and updates from the AP Top 25 women’s college basketball standings throughout the season.
