Cards Win Home Opener Against DePaul, 81-74

Chrissy BantaNovember 13, 2023

Louisville hosted DePaul Sunday evening and were able to grind out the 81-74 victory in front of a crowd of nearly 7500.

Things started off slowly for the Cards in the first quarter, as it took them some time to settled into their roles thus giving a less than stellar defensive performance. In fact, Louisville tallied just 4 rebounds through the first ten minutes of play. As I stated on the post-game show last night, that is unacceptable. Luckily the Cards found their rhythm and ended the first quarter tied with DePaul, at 29 apiece. Normally, allowing a team to go on an 8-0 run so early in a game would send an inexperienced team into shambles. Instead, we saw experience shine in those moments and Louisville was able to remain calm and collect themselves before releasing the dogs on the Blue Demons.

Things really turned around for the Cards in the second quarter as they put up 7 team boards within the first four minutes. Louisville may have been ice cold from the three, but they were 100% from the free-throw line and were playing an unselfish game, while keeping turnovers low. In fact, as a team the Cards only had 4 turnovers through the entire first half of play. A complete turnaround from their game against Cincinnati.

The second half felt more balanced for the Cards, who shot 45.8% from the field in the last 20 minutes and racked up 19 defensive boards. They also added 5 steals to their count in the second half, 3 of which came from Olivia Cochran. By the final buzzer, Louisville had shot 45% from the field, 31 of their 41 rebounds came on the defensive end, and they had just 14 team turnovers. Of their 81 total points, 33 were from the bench, and Louisville also scored 23 points off 15 DePaul turnovers.

Olivia Cochran gave us a present for her birthday in the form of 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. This was one of the most complete games I have ever witnessed from the senior, and she was terrifying if you were in a DePaul uniform yesterday. She has always had the talent, but this year she’s going to have the opportunity to really shine. The spotlight is hers for the taking. Eylia Love, LeLe, number 24, get used to hearing her name. She stepped foot on the court yesterday and let the whole world know she was here to stay. She went 6-6 from the free-throw line and 4-5 from the field for 16 points. Not only is she a shooter, but she was able to help spark the defensive efforts with 3 boards and 2 steals. I expect we’ll be seeing a lot more from her as the season goes on.

Nyla Harris recorded her first double-double of the season yesterday after putting up 13 points and pulling down 11 rebounds for the Cards. Her growth in the off season is clearly what has earned her a starting positing this year. Also giving a great performance yesterday was Nina Rickards who tallied 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Regardless of their slow start, it’s apparent this team has incredible chemistry. They’re falling into their roles easier this year and their communication is right where it should be. Both are things that will help carry this team come tournament time.

Louisville is now 2-0 and will host Bellarmine this Thursday, November 16^th, at 7p.m. in the KFC Yum! Center. You can stream the game on ACCNx or listen on 93.9 The Ville.