The Cardinals’ six-game winning streak screeched to a halt Saturday, as 18th-ranked Louisville fell 86-62 against the 17th-ranked UConn Huskies in Hartford.
Louisville kept pace early behind a blistering 73 percent first quarter from the floor. Graduate transfer Kiki Jefferson capped an 11-0 run with a buzzer-beating three to give the Cards a 27-28 edge. Jefferson carried the load with 15 first-half points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting, while posts Olivia Cochran and Sydney Taylor chipped in 16 combined.
But the Huskies seized control after intermission, widening the margin to double digits despite Jefferson’s season-best 19 points. Cochran added 12 points and six boards, though Louisville sorely missed injured backcourt catalyst Chrislyn Carr.
A 19-9 third quarter swing by UConn proved the knockout blow, sending Coach Jeff Walz’s squad to its second loss against three ranked opponents.
The Cards will look to bounce back Wednesday when Pac-12 foe Washington visits the Yum Center at 7 pm. Louisville closes their non-conference slate desperate to recapture the defensive edge that spurred seasons past.
Tune in on ACC Network Wednesday to see if Walz can right the ship before diving back into conference play.