The No. 19/15 University of Louisville women’s basketball team continued their impressive start to the season with a commanding 77-44 victory over Bucknell on Sunday afternoon at the KFC Yum! Center.
Leading the charge for the Cardinals was Sydney Taylor, who achieved a career-high of 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the field. Taylor’s stellar performance propelled her past the 1,500-point milestone in her collegiate career. Demonstrating consistency, Taylor has scored in double figures in three out of the team’s four games this season and has emerged as a key offensive force, leading the Cardinals in scoring in each of those three games.
Joining Taylor in double figures were Olivia Cochran and Nyla Harris, contributing 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Cochran showcased her versatility with eight rebounds and three steals, while Harris added six rebounds, a block, and a steal to her stat line. Eylia Love rounded out the quartet of Cardinals in double figures with an impressive 10 points and a team-best four steals. Hennie van Schaik also reached a career high with seven points, all of which came in the final quarter.
The first quarter set the tone for a competitive matchup, with Cochran’s six points and flawless 4-for-4 free throw shooting helping the Cardinals secure a 22-18 lead going into the second frame.
Louisville extended their advantage in the second quarter, fueled by a 7-0 run that propelled them to a 31-18 lead. Love’s contributions, including six points and two rebounds in the quarter, played a crucial role as the Cardinals entered halftime with a 37-24 lead.
The third quarter mirrored the second, as the Cardinals initiated a 12-2 run, establishing a dominant 49-26 lead. Sydney Taylor’s scorching performance continued, contributing 12 of her 17 points in the quarter on 5-for-8 shooting. Heading into the fourth quarter, Louisville maintained control with a 57-31 lead.
Defensively, the Cardinals showcased their prowess by limiting Bucknell to just six points in the second quarter and seven points in the third quarter. This marks the second consecutive game in which Louisville held their opponent to single-digit points in two quarters, highlighting the team’s defensive consistency through four games.
In the final 10 minutes, Hennie van Schaik’s two three-pointers solidified Louisville’s dominance, securing a 20-13 advantage in the quarter and sealing the 77-44 victory.
With this win, the Cardinals extend their impressive start to the season to 4-0. Next, Louisville women’s basketball will embark on a road trip to Texas for the Van Chancellor Classic. The tournament, hosted at the Merrell Center in Katy, Texas, kicks off on Friday, November 24, with the Cardinals facing off against Alabama at 12 p.m. ET.