The No. 5 seed Louisville women’s basketball team advanced to the Elite Eight following a hard-fought 72-62 win over the No. 8 seed Ole Miss Rebels on Friday night at Climate Pledge Arena. The Cardinals’ relentless defense stifled the Rebels throughout the game, paving the way for their fifth-straight Elite Eight appearance and eighth in the program’s history.
Hailey Van Lith once again spearheaded the Cardinals’ offense, scoring 21 points along with five rebounds and four assists. This marked her third consecutive 20-point game in the NCAA tournament and the seventh of her career, tying her for second-most in the program’s history. Mykasa Robinson contributed 11 points, five assists, and tied for the team lead with seven rebounds. Olivia Cochran and Morgan Jones added 10 and 11 points, respectively, while Jones also grabbed seven boards.
The Cardinals began the game sluggishly but quickly found their rhythm after Van Lith broke the ice with a three-pointer. She scored seven of the team’s first nine points, propelling them to a 6-0 run and tying the game with 4:42 remaining in the first quarter. Louisville’s offensive prowess continued, as they made six of their last eight shots and closed the quarter with a 20-15 lead.
In the second quarter, Ole Miss staged an 8-0 run, reducing Louisville’s lead to a single point. However, Chrislyn Carr’s three-pointer ended the Cardinals’ three-minute scoreless streak. Ole Miss briefly regained the lead, but Van Lith’s corner three swung the momentum back in Louisville’s favor. The Cardinals’ staunch defense held the Rebels scoreless for the final 3:41 of the quarter, allowing them to end the half on a 7-0 run and enter the break with a 34-29 lead.
Van Lith’s 10 points and three assists led the team in the first half, while Jones topped the rebounding chart with six. The Cardinals shot an impressive 46.4 percent over the first 20 minutes.
Louisville’s defense remained unyielding in the third quarter, holding the Rebels scoreless for a five-minute stretch. Ole Miss struggled to find the basket, missing eight consecutive shots during the quarter. The Cardinals capitalized on this opportunity and closed the quarter on an 11-4 run. Morgan Jones converted a layup with a foul, and on the ensuing possession, Merissah Russell sank her second three-pointer of the night, extending Louisville’s lead to 52-42.
The Cardinals’ lead swelled to 12 points in the final quarter as they sought to secure the victory. Although Ole Miss attempted a late rally, cutting the lead to five, their efforts fell short. Robinson’s crucial layup and free throw with under two minutes remaining effectively sealed the win for Louisville.
The Cardinals now set their sights on the Elite Eight, where they will face the Big Ten Tournament Champion Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday. With a trip to the Final Four on the line, the No. 2 seed Hawkeyes and the Cardinals will battle it out at 9 p.m. ET in Seattle. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN as these two powerhouse teams vie for a coveted spot in the Final Four.
This upcoming clash promises to be an exhilarating matchup between two high-caliber programs. The Cardinals will rely on their tenacious defense and the scoring prowess of players like Van Lith and Robinson to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes will undoubtedly bring their A-game, seeking to leverage their Big Ten Tournament Championship experience to secure a Final Four berth.
As both teams prepare for this crucial showdown, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. With a trip to the Final Four at stake, the Louisville Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes will undoubtedly deliver a thrilling and unforgettable Elite Eight game.