The Louisville women’s basketball team (6-5, 0-1 ACC) faced a tough start to their ACC schedule, falling 72-42 to No. 22/20 NC State (8-3, 1-0 ACC) on Sunday afternoon at the KFC Yum! Center.
The Cardinals struggled offensively from the start, shooting just 15% (3-for-20) in the first quarter. While they improved slightly in the second quarter, shooting 33.3% (5-for-15), NC State’s efficiency proved too much to handle. The Wolfpack shot 51.6% (16-for-31) in the first half, building a commanding 41-21 lead by halftime.
Louisville’s shooting woes continued in the second half, as they managed just 25% (8-for-32) from the field. Despite the offensive struggles, the Cardinals stepped up defensively, holding NC State to 37.1% (13-for-35) shooting in the final two quarters and forcing 14 turnovers in the second half. Overall, Louisville forced 23 turnovers, well above NC State’s season average of 13.0 per game. This marked the seventh time this season the Cardinals have forced 20 or more turnovers, a category in which they lead the ACC with 20.6 turnovers forced per game.
The loss drops Louisville to 6-5 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. They will look to bounce back as they head on the road to wrap up their non-conference schedule. The Cardinals will face the Memphis Tigers on Saturday, December 21, in their final game before the Christmas break. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPNU.
