Saturday, November 25, 2023

Louisville secures comeback win against Liberty in Betty Chancellor Classic

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis,  La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (November 25, 2023) In a thrilling Betty Chancellor Classic matchup, the No. 20/15 Louisville women's basketball team showcased resilience and determination, overcoming a six-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to secure a hard-fought 72-63 victory against the Liberty Flames. The game, held at the Merrell Center, unfolded as a tale of two halves, with the Cardinals outscoring the Lady Flames 26-11 in the final period.

Liberty, now 2-4, had moments of brilliance, leading the nationally-ranked Cardinals by as many as 10 points. However, turnovers proved costly for the Lady Flames, with 21 miscues leading to 19 Louisville points. The defeat marks Liberty's fourth consecutive loss, and the team's struggles against Top 25 opponents persist, extending their losing streak to 40 straight meetings.

Louisville, now boasting a 5-1 record, bounced back impressively from a previous loss to Alabama on Friday. The Cardinals' dynamic duo, Olivia Cochran and Kiki Jefferson, played pivotal roles in the comeback victory. Cochran, overcoming foul trouble from the previous game, delivered one of the best performances of her career, tying a personal high with 21 points and securing 11 rebounds for her 10th career double-double. Jefferson, with a season-best 20 points and a flawless 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, showcased her prowess in a Cardinal uniform.

The fourth quarter surge, ignited by a 16-1 run, underscored Louisville's resilience and ability to seize control when it mattered most. Nina Rickards, contributing 12 points, added to the Cardinals' balanced offensive effort, securing her second-straight double-digit scoring game along with eight rebounds and three assists.


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