Louisville Dominates Morehead State with Stellar Shooting Performance
The University of Louisville women’s basketball team showcased their long-range shooting prowess in a commanding 107-70 victory over Morehead State at the KFC Yum! Center. Leading the charge was Imari Berry, who lit up the scoreboard with a team-high 21 points.
Impressive Shooting from Beyond the Arc
Berry’s favorite shooting spot on the court is the corner, and she certainly made the most of it on Thursday night. No matter who fed her the ball, Berry seemed unstoppable, whether she was situated by the Morehead State bench or alongside Louisville’s enthusiastic fans. Ja’Leah Williams also shined, hitting both of her three-point attempts in the first half. As a collective unit, the Cardinals were on fire, hitting 16 out of 27 attempts from three-point range. This marks their highest total in a game since they netted 16 against Western Kentucky in the 2018 season opener.
Coach Walz Highlights Player Potential
Louisville coach Jeff Walz praised Berry’s talent, emphasizing that she has the potential to be an All-American. "What I’m challenging her with is to play with urgency," Walz remarked. He acknowledged that although she had an excellent game, there were moments when she could have been more aggressive, particularly when attacking the basket.
With the return of senior Jayda Curry, who was the team’s top three-point shooter last year, the Cardinals are looking to bolster their offensive capabilities even further. Curry contributed 11 points and hit two three-pointers in her season debut, further enhancing the team’s depth.
Notable Contributions from the Team
Taj Roberts also made significant contributions, scoring two of Louisville’s three-pointers in the first half while continuing her streak of double-digit scoring with 11 points. Berry was efficient as well, managing five points with only three missed attempts. Her pivotal shot from the top of the arc helped cement the Cardinals’ control over the game, leading 43-35 with just under five minutes left in the half.
Despite experiencing a slight shooting dip in the second half, the Cardinals maintained their effectiveness, with Reagan Bender, a Sacred Heart product, scoring her first collegiate points through back-to-back three-pointers early in the third quarter.
An Encouraging Future for the Cardinals
As Louisville improves to 3-2 this season, they are poised for continued success as they embark on a two-game road trip, starting with a matchup against South Florida. Coach Walz noted that the key to their improved performance against Morehead State was their urgency in ball movement, stating, "We were poor the first four games of holding on to the ball too long."
With their sights set on maximizing their potential, the Cardinals appear to have several players capable of stepping up and making a significant impact this season.
In summary, the Louisville Cardinals not only displayed their long-range shooting abilities but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and player development. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from this talented squad.
