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The matchup between the University of Louisville Cardinals and Eastern Kentucky University Colonels featured eight former Kentucky high school players between the two rosters. Louisville’s Kentucky natives included Reagan Bender (Sacred Heart), Peyton Bradley (Meade County), and Grace Mbugua (Danville Christian). EKU was represented by Liz Freihofer (Cooper), Kenleigh Woods (Ashland Blazer), Love Mays (Danville), Jasmine Jordan (Boyd County), and Savannah Gardner (Christian Academy of Louisville).
Louisville appeared ready to pick up where it left off in Chapel Hill as soon as the ball was tipped, with Laura Ziegler knocking down a three-pointer on the Cardinals’ opening possession. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Louisville went cold from the field, allowing EKU to go on a 7-0 run. At the 5:10 mark of the first quarter, Louisville finally connected on its second field goal which was another basket from Ziegler. While the Cardinals generated quality looks, the shots simply were not falling. Meanwhile, the Colonels found their rhythm, shooting 50 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from beyond the arc in the opening quarter. Louisville trailed 19-14 at the end of the period after shooting 37.5 percent overall, 16.7 percent from three, and 25 percent from the free-throw line, all figures that were well below their season averages.
It didn’t take long for the Cardinals to respond in the second quarter, as they reclaimed the lead just over three minutes in. Although Louisville’s shooting struggles continued, finishing the half at 35.3 percent from the field, 10 percent from three, and 50 percent at the free-throw line, their defense stepped up in a major way. The Cardinals held EKU to just eight points in the quarter and carried a 30-27 lead into halftime. Ziegler led the team at the break with seven points and six rebounds. Grace Mbugua also returned to the court for the first time since March, when she last played in the KHSAA Sweet 16 Semifinals with Danville Christian, and made an immediate impact with four rebounds, a block, and a point in three minutes of action.
The Cardinals wasted little time extending their lead in the second half, pushing into a double digit advantage within the first three minutes. By the midway point of the third quarter, Louisville had held EKU to just two points, while their shooting numbers also improved and started to resemble their season averages. The Cardinals dominated the quarter, outscoring the Colonels 24-10 and taking a 17-point lead into the final period.
From there, Louisville never looked back. The Cardinals continued to build their lead, even after turning to their bench, and secured a 71-56 victory. Four players finished in double figures, led by Taj Roberts with 12 points. Laura Ziegler added 11 points, while Yevheniia Putra and Skylar Jones contributed 10 points apiece. Mbugua led the team on the glass with 10 rebounds, and all 12 players who saw action found themselves in the scoring column. Coming off an overtime road win, Louisville may have started slow, but they closed the game in dominant fashion.
