The No. 2 Louisville Cardinals suffered its first loss on the season in an 82 – 68 decision against the No. 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Cardinals held an eight point advantage midway through the second frame before a couple unfortunate fouls on the defensive end put Louisville in serious foul trouble. Into the half, the Fighting Irish scored seven consecutive points from the charity stripe. However, the Cardinals still held a 35 – 33 advantage.
Both Arica Carter and Dana Evans had three fouls at the midpoint break, while Kylee Shook, Jazmine Jones, Sam Fuehring and Asia Durr had two apiece. The foul trouble hindered the Cardinals being as aggressive on the defensive end of the floor.
The match was not all heartbreak for the Cardinals. Freshman Mykasa Robinson single handedly kept Louisville alive in the final minutes. Robinson had a crucial steal with 2:43 to go in the game that she drove in for a layup, bringing the Cardinals within two points, 66 – 64. However, Notre Dame went on a 14 – 2 run in the final minute. The freshman, from Kentucky, finished with six points, all of which came in the final 6:00 of the game.
Louisville was also able to force 18 Notre Dame turnovers, converting them into 25 points.
But, Notre Dame dominated the Cardinals on the board, outrebounding Louisville, 48 – 32. As a result, the Fighting Irish were able to collect 20 second chance points. Notre Dame outscored Louisville 49 – 33 in the second half.
Louisville only had two players score double-figures: Asia Durr paced the Cardinals with 29 points and 6 rebounds, while Bianca Dunham added 10 points and 7 rebounds. Arica Carter was close behind with 8 points and 4 rebounds, while Sam Fuehring added 8 points and 4 rebounds.
The Cardinals return home to face Georgia Tech on Sunday, January 13 at 2PM EST.
