Thursday night at the KFC Yum! Center, Louisville (6-4) showed it’s not time to count the team out.
After two disappointing losses to No. 10 Oklahoma and No. 2 UConn, the Cards came roaring back to defeat Grambling State, 96-57. The team was led by fifth-year senior forward Olivia Cochran, a fan favorite from the 2023-24 season who started all 34 games last year. In 24 minutes Cochran managed a team-best 18 points and team-high 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season, a feat matched by junior Nyla Harris, who raked in 14 points and 10 rebounds of her own.
The pair were joined by two freshman guards, Tajianna Roberts and Izela Arenas, who each enjoyed double-digit scoring nights. Arenas knocked down 13 points, a season-high that was thrilling to watch in person. Other scorers for the Cardinals included senior guard Ja’Leah Williams and freshman guard Imari Berry, who each had six points, while senior guard Jayda Curry and freshman guard Reagan Bender both finished with seven points. Freshman forward Isla Juffermans and sophomore forward Elif Istanbulluoglu finished five points each, senior guard Merissah Russell contributed three and freshman forward Mackenly Randolph added two to round out the Cardinals’ scoring.
Williams and Arenas, in particular,…
