The Louisville women’s basketball team found its groove Thursday night at the KFC Yum! Center, rolling to a 96-57 win over Grambling State. The Cardinals (6-4) shook off a tight first quarter and overwhelmed the Tigers (2-8) with a relentless attack, outscoring them 77-42 over the final three quarters. The victory improves Louisville to 3-1 on their home court this season.
Olivia Cochran and Nyla Harris powered the Cards with double-double performances, the first time this season two Louisville players achieved the feat in the same game. Cochran led all scorers with 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting and added 11 rebounds, while Harris posted 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting and grabbed 10 boards. It marked the first double-double of the season for both players and the first time since February the duo accomplished the milestone together.
The Cardinals spread the scoring wealth with 12 players contributing in the victory. Izela Arenas poured in a season-high 13 points, while Tajianna Roberts added 10. Reagan Bender knocked down a pair of triples on her way to a season-best seven points. Louisville’s defensive pressure was stifling, forcing 27 turnovers—the third time in four games the Cards have forced 25 or more.
After a slow start, the Cardinals found their rhythm with a 10-0 first-quarter run and never looked back. Cochran set the tone early, scoring six points and hauling in four rebounds in the opening frame to help Louisville build a 19-15 lead.
The second quarter stayed competitive until the Cards closed the half on a commanding 13-0 run, taking a 44-29 advantage into the locker room. Cochran nearly recorded a double-double in the first half alone, tallying 14 points and nine rebounds.
The third quarter sealed the win for Louisville. The Cardinals erupted on a 23-1 run, connecting on eight consecutive shots during the stretch and shooting 54.5% from the field in the quarter. They carried that momentum into the final frame, where they shot a blistering 64.3% from the floor. Arenas and Jayda Curry came alive late, combining for 15 points in the fourth.
Louisville now turns its attention to ACC play, as the Cardinals host No. 22 NC State on Sunday in the Jimmy V Women’s Classic. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, with national coverage on ABC.
