When Louisville coach Jeff Walz assembled this season’s team, he not only prioritized talent but also personality. He signed players he felt were good people, and they’ve yet to prove him wrong.

The influx of transfers has not only helped Louisville (16-2, 5-0 ACC) to the top of the conference standings but also has jelled personalities and developed team chemistry. Louisville’s scoring has been balanced, with three players averaging double-digit points: Kiki Jefferson (12.4 per game), Olivia Cochran (11.8) and Sydney Taylor (10).

“As we talked to them, and you really got to know them as people, it was like, OK, they wanted to win at a new level,” Walz said. “… It’s been a lot of fun because they really have put their time and effort on the court. They’ve learned where each other likes the basketball.”

Free trial: Watch Louisville women’s basketball vs. Carolina live on ESPN+

Those bonds will be put to the test Sunday, when the No. 12 Cardinals play at No. 24 North Carolina, which is third in the conference standings and has won two of its last three games.

The Tar Heels are led by Deja Kelly, who is averaging 16.1 points per game this season (among the top 15 in the league).

“You’ve got to respect her at all three levels: She’s a 3-point threat. She’s got a nice pull-up jump shot; she gets to the rim, but she’s also a willing passer,” Walz said. “That’s what separates your good players from your really good and elite players are the ones that, if you throw a double at them, they’re willing to pass out of it. It doesn’t always have to be about them, and that’s what she’s done.”

Here’s how to watch Louisville’s game at North Carolina:

Louisville vs. North Carolina women’s basketball start time 

The Cardinals and Tar Heels tip off at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

What channel is Louisville women’s basketball game vs. UNC on today? 

The game will be broadcast on the ACC Network. Qualified subscribers can stream the game at espn.com/watch.

How to listen to Louisville vs. UNC women’s basketball on the radio 

Nick Curran (play-by-play) and Cortnee Walton (analyst) will have the call on the Cardinal Sports Network (WLCL 93.9 FM and WGTK 970 AM in Louisville). 

Additionally, you can listen online via GoCards.com.

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Reach Louisville football, women’s basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.