The University of Louisville women’s basketball team is gearing up for its final game of a two-game road trip as they take on Syracuse on Sunday, January 29. The game will take place at the JMA Wireless Dome and is set to begin at 12 p.m. with a nationwide broadcast on ACC Network.
The Cardinals are hoping to bounce back from a two-game losing streak and secure a win against the Orange for the second time this season. This will also be their chance to avoid a three-game losing streak in ACC play, something that hasn’t happened since joining the league in 2014-15. The last time the Cardinals suffered a three-game losing streak was during the 2011-12 season.
Louisville has already defeated Syracuse 86-77 in their first meeting this season and is looking to sweep the season series. The Cardinals have already swept the season series with Pitt this year and hold a win against Boston College in their first meeting. Dating back to the 2020-21 season, the Cardinals have swept seven consecutive season series against ACC opponents.
The team is off to a head scratching start in the 2022-23 season, with a 15-8 record and impressive statistics that set them apart from their opponents. With a scoring margin of 9.5 points per game and a shooting percentage of .466, the Cardinals are proving to be a dominant force on the court.
Starting with scoring, the Cardinals are averaging 74.3 points per game compared to their opponents’ 64.8 points per game. This 10.5 point differential is a testament to the team’s strong offensive performance, which is also reflected in their shooting statistics. The Cardinals have made 648 of their 1392 field goal attempts for a .466 shooting percentage, while their opponents have made 523 of their 1306 attempts for a .400 shooting percentage. This shows that the Cardinals are making the most of their opportunities and are able to consistently put the ball in the basket.
In addition to their scoring, the Cardinals also have a significant advantage in rebounding. With 37.2 rebounds per game, they are outpacing their opponents by 4.5 rebounds per game. This dominance on the boards gives the Cardinals extra opportunities to score and control the tempo of the game. It also shows that the team is playing with a high level of physicality and determination, which is a key factor in their success.
Another area where the Cardinals are shining is in their assists. With 14.7 assists per game, they are well ahead of their opponents who are only averaging 12.1 assists per game. This statistic is a testament to the team’s unselfish play and their ability to move the ball effectively on offense. It also shows that the team is working well together and is able to create scoring opportunities for one another.
While the Cardinals have been impressive in several areas, they have also struggled with turnovers, averaging 15.6 per game compared to their opponents’ 17.7. Despite this, the Cardinals have been able to make up for their turnovers by scoring more points off of them. With 20.0 points off turnovers compared to their opponents’ 15.1, the Cardinals are showing that they are able to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes.
The Cardinals’ defense has also been a strong point this season, as they are averaging 8.7 steals and 3.8 blocks per game. These numbers show that the team is active on the defensive end and is able to disrupt their opponents’ offensive flow. The steals and blocks also give the Cardinals extra possessions and help to swing momentum in their favor.
Lastly, the Cardinals have been generating a lot of excitement off the court, drawing an average of 10,383 fans per game. This strong support has contributed to the team’s success and will continue to be a major factor as the season progresses. The Cardinals’ players feed off the energy of their fans and this support helps to give them an extra boost on the court.
While they have struggled with turnovers, they have been able to make up for it with their scoring off of turnovers and their defense. With a supportive fan base and a talented roster, the Louisville Cardinals are still a team to watch this season.
