Louisville Takes Care of Business Against Wake Forest

Press Release from the University of Louisville:

LOUISVILLE, KY —The No. 9 Louisville women's basketball team (23-4, 13-1 ACC) defeated Wake Forest 86-67 to remain undefeated at home all-time against the Demon Deacons (13-13, 3-11 ACC), and improve to a 23-4 record, exceeding last season's win total.

Louisville shot 34-of-66 from the field, including 11-of-25 from beyond the arc in the win over the Demon Deacons. For the fifth time this season, 12 different players scored for Louisville. Of their 34 field goals, 25 were assisted on, a season high for the Cardinals against conference opponents. The Cardinals forced 22 turnovers against the Demon Deacons, the seventh time this season they have turned an opponent over 20 or more times. Louisville compiled 14 steals as 10 different players recorded a steal, the first time that has happened this season.

Reyna Scott led the way with a season high eight assists, also tied for her career best. She also secured six rebounds to lead the team and tied for a career high.

The Cardinals opened the game with a 21-9 lead after the first quarter that was fueled by a 9-0 run. The Cardinals started off hot form beyond the three-point line, connecting on four out of their six attempts in the quarter. Skylar Jones left her mark on the defensive end again, recording two steals in the quarter. She would add another steal in the second quarter, to help the Cardinals record nine steals as a team in the first half.

Louisville would go on to lead 43-18 at halftime after ending the half on a 15-1 run. Despite cooling down from three, the Cardinals proved they could score in other ways. The Cardinals shot 17-of-32 from the field on 15 assists and found their scoring in a balanced effort. Tajianna Roberts scored nine on 3-of-6 shooting from three. Elif Istanbulluoglu had seven points on 3-of-4 shooting, Jones added seven on 3-of-5 shooting, and Laura Ziegler connected on 3-of-5 shots in the first half for six points. Ziegler and Scott each had four assists in the first half.

The Cardinals rediscovered their touch from deep in the third quarter, going 4-of-6 from beyond the three-point line as they entered the final quarter with a 70-39 lead. Three players would reach double-figures in scoring. Ziegler finished the quarter with 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting, Roberts had 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting including 4-of-7 from three, and Istanbulluoglu added 10 on 4-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three.

Wake Forest fought hard in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cardinals 28-16, but it was not enough to climb out of the deficit.

Louisville will compete against Florida State in the second part of a three-game homestand Sunday, February 15 at 6 pm. The game will be broadcast on the ACC Network.

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