Louisville Cardinals Fall Short Against No. 9 North Carolina

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Cardinals women’s basketball team faced a tough challenge at home on Sunday, falling 79-75 to the No. 9 North Carolina Tar Heels at the KFC Yum! Center.

After taking a 35-29 lead at halftime, Louisville struggled to maintain momentum in the second half. The Cardinals showcased dominance on the boards, outrebounding UNC 46-30; however, they were outshot 49% to 39% from the field and 46% to 31% from beyond the arc.

Six Cardinals scored in double figures, with Jayda Curry leading the team with a game-high 18 points. Olivia Cochran contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. For the Tar Heels, Lanie Grant and Trayanna Crisp each scored 19 points, aiding their team in the victory.

This loss drops Louisville’s season record to 19-8. Head coach Jeff Walz remains optimistic about the team’s progress. “We’ve taken punches in the past and learned from them. Today, we executed well, and I felt good about our chances with the experience we’ve gained,” he said.

Despite being hampered by turnovers, Louisville capitalized on free-throw opportunities, converting 22 of 25 attempts. Coach Walz praised Jayda Curry’s continuing improvement and contribution to the team. “She’s averaging 20 points over the last three games, and that is a huge boost for us,” he remarked.

The Cardinals will look to bounce back as they prepare for their next home game against the Clemson Tigers on Thursday, February 27, which is set to tip off at 6 p.m.