Cardinals overcome injury gaps for 87-35 win

Louisville women's basketball defeated Stetson 87-35 at the KFC Yum! Center, improving to a 2-0 record in the 2026-27 season. The Cardinals relied heavily on defensive execution to compensate for poor offensive shooting in the opening minutes of the game.

Head coach Jeff Walz managed the lineup without starters Elif Istanbulluoglu and Mackenly Randolph. Istanbulluoglu missed the game with an ankle injury, while Randolph is undergoing concussion protocol. Both players sustained their injuries during Louisville's 119-point victory over Bellarmine on Monday. Walz indicated he hopes to have them return next week but stated he will not rush either athlete's recovery.

The absence of the two starters shifted the team's dynamic. Amiya Joyner and Carys Baker entered the starting lineup and focused on rebounding and defensive pressure. Joyner, a transfer from LSU, recorded 14 rebounds and nine points in 16 minutes. Baker finished with nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocked shots despite missing all eight of her field goal attempts.

Walz acknowledged the impact of the missing starters on the team's energy. He noted that the daily intensity and on-court communication provided by Istanbulluoglu and Randolph separate them from the rest of the roster. The Cardinals led 40-20 at halftime despite shooting 32.4 percent from the field.

Louisville adjusted its approach in the second half. The team opened the third quarter with a 24-2 run, holding Stetson scoreless for over five minutes. The Cardinals outscored the Hatters 28-6 in that quarter and 47-15 in the second half of the game. Walz credited the improvement to better ball sharing and disciplined movement.

Imari Berry led the Cardinals with 16 points. Tajianna Roberts added 14 points, while Zamareya Jones and freshman Ariyana Cradle each scored 11. Cradle also recorded five steals. Walz highlighted Cradle's passing to Rebekah Graves for a layup as his favorite play of the night. He is working with the freshman to develop her skills as a point guard.

The Cardinals forced 30 turnovers and recorded 21 steals, matching their totals from the previous game. Stetson shot 23.6 percent from the field. Louisville has scored 206 points and allowed 82 points in its first two contests. The team will visit Southern Indiana on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.