Louisville Suffers First Loss vs Alabama

Coach Walz said that the Van Chancellor Tournament was going to be a good barometer to see where his team is this season. Unfortunately the Cards fell in the first of three games by losing to Alabama 78-73. However, Louisville it was a fun game with a lot of defensive intensity on both ends. The Cards had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds but a questionable moving screen was called on Nyla Harris and Alabama made their free throws to seal the deal.

Louisville out-rebounded Alabama 37-33. Unfortunately they still had some of the same shooting woes from the three-point line with the first triple not coming until the third quarter. The Cards also entered the game with a high percentage from the free throw line but went 16 of 24 today for 66%.

Nyla Harris led the Cards in scoring with 18 to which she added 8 rebounds. Sydney Taylor had 17 points with 4 rebounds and carried the team in the 3rd quarter. Olivia Cochran sat most of the game after getting in foul trouble early and finished with 9 points and 6 rebounds. Nina Rickards had her first double-double as a Card with 10 points and 10 rebounds and she brought a lot of energy off the bench.

The Cards have a quick turnaround and face Liberty tomorrow at noon. The game can be seen on ESPN+.