Louisville escapes NC State, secures program’s best start, 16-0

Raleigh, N.C. — The Louisville Cardinals' streak is still alive after holding off NC State, 55-47.

The Cardinals remain one of five undefeated teams in women's college basketball. Louisville moves to 16-0, the best start in program history.

The Cardinals came out hot on a 7-0 run. Louisville's lock-down defense kept NC State of the board. The Wolfpack went 0-of-15 in the first period, scoring only one point on a free throw shot from Kaila Ealey.

Despite keeping NC State scoreless, Louisville was only able to rack up 15 points. Asia Durr led the Cardinals with 5 points in the first period.

The second period started off the same for NC State. The Wolfpack continued to stay cold from the field, missing the first 23 shots. However, midway through the second period, Armani Hawkins fired off a triple. The three-pointer allowed NC State to turn around its game.

At the under four media timeout, Louisville held a 26-4 lead. But, NC State came out of the time out hot. The Wolfpack sprinted out on a 7 - 0 run, holding the Cardinals scoreless for nearly five minutes. Bianca Dunham was able to break the drought for Louisville as she drove to the bucket for two.

The Wolfpack were able to chip away at Louisville's lead at the end of the first half, bringing the score at the half to 28-12.

At the half, Louisville was shooting 41% from the field and 57% from the three point line. The Cardinals out rebounded the Wolfpack, 25-20.

NC State could not buy a bucket in the first half. The Wolfpack connected on only four field goals (13%).

Out of the half, the Cardinals and the Wolfpack exchanged buckets. For Louisville, Durr added 10 points, while Kiara Leslie took over for NC State grabbing four points. With four minutes remaining in the third period, Louisville held a 41 - 18 advantage.

But, the Cardinals would go cold. NC State capped off the third period behind a 12-0 run, holding Louisville scoreless for five minutes.

At the end of three, Louisville's lead had been significantly diminished. However, the Cardinals still held a 41-30 advantage.

Leslie's performance in the third chipped away at Louisville's lead as she racked up 11 points.

Despite outscoring Louisville 17-14, the Wolfpack could not come up with the win. Louisville's first half explosion carried the Cardinals to a 55-47 victory.

Louisville moves to 2-0 in the ACC.

Top Scorers:

The Cardinals had two players notch double-figures: Asia Durr picked up 17 points for Louisville on 5-of-17 shooting. Myisha Hines-Allen also added 17 points to go along with 12 rebounds.

For the Wolfpack, two players racked up double-digits: Despite having zero points in the first half, Kiara Leslie came out hot in the second half scoring a game-high 18 points. Kaila Ealey added 11 points.

Next Up:

The Cardinals return home to take on the # 14/15 Duke Blue Devils on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 7 PM.

The Wolfpack stay at home and play host to the Virginia Cavaliers on Thursday, January 4th at 7PM.