The Pitt women’s basketball team endured a challenging weekend on the road, managing to secure a sole victory out of two games. After clinching their first ACC win against Virginia, the Panthers were unable to sustain their momentum against Louisville, suffering a 77-58 defeat. Particularly in the decisive third quarter, the team struggled to contain the Cardinals’ formidable performance.
During their previous clash, Louisville effectively contained Pitt’s top scorer, senior forward Liatu King, limiting her to a mere six points. However, King rebounded in the latest game, notching her 12th consecutive double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Additionally, graduate student forward Jala Jordan delivered an impressive showing, contributing 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The game commenced promisingly for Pitt, with sophomore forward Aislin Malcolm propelling the Panthers to an early lead with two successful free throws. Unfortunately, the team’s advantage was short-lived, as a series of turnovers allowed the Cardinals to establish a significant 11-2 turnover margin by halftime. Despite a resilient second quarter, during which Pitt outscored Louisville 20-17, they still entered the halftime trailing 36-29. Malcolm emerged as the leading scorer in the first half with seven points, while King recorded five points and five rebounds.
Regrettably, the Panthers’ struggles persisted in the third quarter, as Louisville capitalized on their offensive opportunities and aggressive play. Despite brief moments of resurgence, Pitt was unable to close the gap, ultimately falling further behind. Head coach Tory Verdi’s attempts to disrupt Louisville’s momentum through timeouts had limited impact, as the Cardinals maintained a consistent lead throughout the game.
As the final buzzer sounded, Pitt’s resilience was not enough to overcome Louisville’s dominance, culminating in a 77-58 defeat. Nevertheless, the team will have the opportunity to regroup as they return home to face Duke on Thursday.
In conclusion, the Pitt women’s basketball team faced a formidable challenge against Louisville, grappling with turnovers, defensive lapses, and the Cardinals’ relentless offensive pressure. Despite the team’s determination and standout individual performances, victory eluded them on this occasion. However, with forthcoming fixtures on the horizon, the Panthers will have the chance to glean valuable lessons from this experience and emerge stronger in their future matchups.