No. 7 Louisville women’s basketball extends streak to 13, beats Stanford 84-66 in ACC play

Louisville controls game start to finish in road win at Stanford

Louisville’s women’s basketball team continued its surge Thursday night, defeating Stanford 84-66 to secure a 13th consecutive victory and improve to 20-3 overall and 10-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. The Cardinals did not trail at any point and built a lead that reached as many as 27 points late.

Louisville’s opening possession set the tone, with Mackenly Randolph connecting from the corner for a 3-pointer. Randolph made three 3s in the first quarter and finished with 14 points. Louisville led 48-30 at halftime after forcing Stanford into 14 first-half turnovers and turning those mistakes into 16 points.

Ziegler posts double-double as Louisville places five in double figures

Forward Laura Ziegler delivered one of the most complete performances of the night, posting 22 points and 11 rebounds. Louisville’s balance showed throughout: five Cardinals reached double figures, allowing the offense to keep pressure on Stanford even during stretches when the game tightened.

Stanford briefly made the margin more manageable in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 10 twice. Louisville responded by closing the period on a 7-0 run, capped by a layup at the buzzer that pushed the lead back to 63-46.

Stanford shorthanded as injuries shape matchup and late-game minutes

Stanford entered the game without its leading scorer, forward Nunu Agara, who averages 14.5 points and was injured in the team’s overtime loss at California on Sunday. The Cardinal fell to 15-7 overall and 4-5 in ACC play, extending a three-game losing streak.

Stanford’s Courtney Ogden led her team with 16 points, while Chloe Clardy and Shay Ijiwoye scored 15 apiece. Ijiwoye shot 6-for-8 from the floor.

Louisville also dealt with an injury concern in the fourth quarter when guard Imari Berry went down with what was reported as a sprained ankle.

What the result means in the ACC race

With the win, Louisville remained tied atop the ACC standings with Duke, setting up a key home matchup in Louisville on Thursday, Feb. 5 (7 p.m.) at the KFC Yum! Center. Before that, Louisville is scheduled to play at California on Sunday.

• Final: Louisville 84, Stanford 66
• Louisville record: 20-3 overall, 10-0 ACC
• Stanford record: 15-7 overall, 4-5 ACC
• Louisville leader: Laura Ziegler (22 points, 11 rebounds)

Louisville’s advantage was built on early shot-making, turnovers forced, and sustained scoring balance that prevented Stanford from generating a prolonged comeback.