Louisville Cardinals Dominate Wake Forest
In a decisive performance in Louisville, the No. 9 Cardinals showcased their strength against Wake Forest, securing an impressive 86-67 victory. The Cardinals, currently boasting a record of 23 wins and 4 losses and ranking 13-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), bounced back emphatically after suffering their first league defeat at the hands of No. 11 Duke, which ended a remarkable 14-game winning streak.
Strong Offensive and Defensive Play
On Thursday evening, Louisville’s offensive strategy proved effective, with Laura Ziegler contributing 13 points and Tajianna Roberts adding 12. The team’s defense was equally formidable, limiting Wake Forest to a mere nine points in each of the opening two quarters. Throughout the matchup, Louisville maintained a superior shooting percentage, finishing at 52% overall. The Cardinals’ success from beyond the arc was notable, as they landed 11 three-pointers at a 44% rate.
Team Depth and Final Moments
Despite both teams shooting 52% for the game, Louisville’s scoring depth was evident, with all 12 players finding the net. They built a commanding lead that stretched to 32 points late in the fourth quarter before bringing in their bench. The final moments saw Wake Forest attempt a comeback, outscoring Louisville 15-2 in the last four minutes, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Key Contributions and Upcoming Matches
Elif Istanbulluoglu also made significant contributions for Louisville, netting 10 points, including two three-pointers. The Cardinals showcased excellent teamwork, dishing out 25 assists on 34 field goals. On the other side, Grace Oliver led the Demon Deacons with 20 points, while Milan Brown and Aurora Sorbye each added 12. Despite their struggles, Wake Forest rallied in the second half, shooting an impressive 61% and 65% in the fourth quarter.
Following this game, Wake Forest (now at 13-13 and 3-11 in the ACC) will host Notre Dame on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Louisville is set to face Florida State as they aim to continue their winning momentum this Sunday.
