No. 22 Cardinals Upended by No. 2 UConn

Saturday, December 7

Brooklyn, NY (Barclays Center)

9 PM

University of Louisville

#2 UConn

December 08, 2024 | Women's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Walz Postgame Presser

By: Matt Paras

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The No. 22 Louisville Cardinals (5-4) could not overcome No. 2 UConn (8-0) in an 85-52 defeat in the Women's Champions Classic Saturday night at the Barclays Center. The Huskies jumped out to an early lead in the first and the Cards were unable to come back against the second Top 15 opponent they have faced this week.

The Huskies had a strong first quarter and led the Cards 28-10 after the opening 10 minutes. Cochran scored the first five points for the Cards and led the team in scoring in the frame.

Louisville responded with a 6-0 run to start the second quarter. Merissah Russell opened the second with a layup and followed it up with a three pointer as she scored five points in the second quarter and led the team at half with eight points. UConn finished the quarter strong and the Huskies held a 49-24 lead at the half.

In the second half, Imari Berry knocked down three shots behind the arc and ended up leading the team in scoring with 10 points on the night. Ja'Leah Williams had a team-high six rebounds and Tajianna Roberts led the team with three assists.

The Cardinals will head back to campus tomorrow to get set for a pair of home games next week. It will be the first time this season Louisville has had two-straight home games with the first one set for Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET against Grambling State. The Cardinals will then close out the week with a Sunday matinee against NC State to open the conference schedule as part of the Jimmy V Women's Classic.