In the second round of the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the #5 seed Louisville Cardinals secured a decisive victory against the #4 Texas Longhorns, ending the game with a final score of 73-51.
In the first quarter, both teams fought evenly, with each scoring 16 points. However, the Cardinals pulled away in the second quarter, outscoring the Longhorns 21-7, which helped them establish a comfortable 14-point lead going into halftime (37-23).
The Cardinals continued their domination in the second half, outscoring the Longhorns 19-12 in the third quarter to extend their lead further. Despite a more evenly matched fourth quarter (17-16 in favor of Louisville), the damage had already been done, and the Cardinals secured a 73-51 victory.
The Cardinals demonstrated their offensive prowess, shooting 46.9% from the field (30-64) and 23.1% from the three-point range (3-13). Additionally, they showcased their skills from the free-throw line, converting 10 of their 15 attempts (66.7%). On the defensive side, the Cardinals collected a total of 42 rebounds, with 15 offensive and 27 defensive rebounds. The team also recorded 10 assists, 6 steals, and 4 blocks while committing 10 turnovers and 21 personal fouls.
Guard Hailey Van Lith led the Cardinals’ offensive charge, scoring a game-high 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 1-of-4 from beyond the arc and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. Van Lith also contributed 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Teammates Olivia Cochran and Mykasa Robinson added 7 and 9 points, respectively, with Cochran grabbing 2 rebounds, an assist, and a block, while Robinson contributed 2 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block.
The Texas Longhorns struggled offensively, shooting only 34.5% from the field (19-55) and a mere 10.0% from the three-point range (1-10). Their free-throw shooting percentage was also subpar, hitting just 12 of their 20 attempts (60.0%). The Longhorns managed to secure 34 rebounds in total, with 12 offensive and 22 defensive rebounds. The team accumulated 5 assists, 6 steals, and 4 blocks, while committing 13 turnovers and 18 personal fouls.
DeYona Gaston was the top scorer for the Longhorns, tallying 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, along with 5 rebounds, a block, and a steal. Guard Rori Harmon contributed 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, while N. Mwenentanda came off the bench to add another 10 points, 4 rebounds, and a steal.
The Louisville Cardinals’ impressive performance propels them further into the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, where they will continue to showcase their skills and seek a coveted championship title.
