The RV/#24 Louisville women’s basketball team got back in the win column Tuesday night against SIUE at the KFC Yum Center. The Cardinals (6-4) had a historic night across the board, propelling them past the Cougars 105-32.
Hailey Van Lith led all scorers with 21 points, giving her 1,004 career points. She is the 32nd player in program history to achieve the milestone as a Cardinal. Van Lith has recorded 20 or more points in five of nine games played this season.
Morgan Jones recorded eight steals on the night, tying the highest single-game steals total by a player in the ACC this season.
Chrislyn Carr has now scored in double figures five out of her last six games, tallying 14 points on the night. Josie Williams chipped in a season-high 11 points in 20 minutes of playing time.
The first quarter was controlled by the Cardinals as they had a 33-8 lead to end the quarter. The Cardinals were paced by their defense as they scored 18 points off 11 turnovers. Jones led the way for the Cards, scoring 11 points on four-for-six shooting.
The Cardinals kept their foot on the gas in the second quarter setting a school record for points in a half with 62. Louisville held SIUE to 11 first half points, marking the fewest points allowed in a half since last season against UT-Martin.
The Cardinals stayed hot coming out of the half, shooting a scorching 80% from the field. As time ticked down in the quarter, Van Lith scored her 1,000-point in a Cardinal uniform. Heading into the fourth quarter, Louisville led 90-23.
Players received valuable minutes in the fourth quarter including Nyla Harris who recorded eight points and nine rebounds off the bench. The Cardinals eclipsed the 100-point mark in the fourth quarter, the second time this season. Louisville is now 30-0 when they score 100 points or more.
The Cardinals set the tone defensively tonight, scoring a season-high 44 points off turnovers turning the Cougars over 30 times. Louisville recorded a season-high 17 steals, the most since last season’s contest against Pittsburgh.
The Cardinals will head on the road for a season-long four game road trip starting this weekend. Louisville will head down I-64 to take on Kentucky in the Battle for the Bluegrass at Rupp Arena. The Cardinals and Wildcats will meet for 57th time in program history on Sunday, December 11. The game will tip-off at 1 p.m. ET and will be aired nationally on ESPN.
by Matt Paras