Louisville defeats Montana 94-54
Montana 54 - Louisville 94: A Dominant Statement Win for the Cardinals
In a thoroughly one-sided affair, No. 20 Louisville steamrolled visiting Montana 94-54 at the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday night. The dominant performance marked a statement win for the home team, showcasing their impressive depth and versatility.
At halftime, the Cardinals led by a commanding 42-20 margin, setting the tone for the remainder of the contest. Louisville's defense came out strong in the second half, holding Montana to just 13 points while extending its own lead to as much as 40 points at one point. The final score was never in doubt, with Louisville emerging victorious by a staggering 40-point margin.
Sananda Fru led the Cardinals' attack, scoring 18 points on an impressive 81.8% shooting clip from the field. Her all-around performance included eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal, further underscoring her importance to the team's success. Aly Khalifa chipped in with six assists, five points, and a rebound, demonstrating the team's ability to distribute the ball effectively.
For Montana, Grant Kepley led the way with 15 points on 41.7% shooting from the field. Money Williams contributed five rebounds, four points, and three assists, while Tyler Isaak chipped in with three assists and six points. Despite their efforts, the Grizzlies struggled to contain Louisville's offense, particularly in the second half.
The Cardinals' statistics tell a compelling story of their dominance. They shot 52.0% from the field, including 71.0% from two-point range and 35.0% from three-point range. Louisville's free throw shooting was equally impressive, with 74.0% conversion rate on 19 attempts. The team's fast break points were limited to just nine, while they capitalized on turnovers for 17 points.
Montana, by contrast, struggled with their shot selection, making only 32.0% of its field goal attempts. The Grizzlies' free throw shooting was respectable at 87.0%, but their overall efficiency suffered due to poor rebounding and turnover plagued offense.
The significance of this win cannot be overstated. With the non-conference slate looming, a convincing performance like this serves as a statement for Louisville's ability to compete against top-tier opponents.