CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — Elif Istanbulluoglu scored 23 points as Louisville defeated Miami 77-68 in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball game Thursday afternoon at Watsco Center. The Cardinals used a decisive 27-point third quarter to pull away after leading 33-35 at halftime. Istanbulluoglu added seven rebounds and five assists for Louisville. Amarachi Kimpson led the Hurricanes with 18 points and five assists, while Ra Shaya Kyle posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Louisville improved to 15-3 overall. Miami fell to 10-6. The Cardinals shot 46.2% from the field and forced 18 turnovers.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — Elif Istanbulluoglu scored 23 points and Louisville used a dominant third-quarter surge to pull away from Miami, securing a 77-68 victory in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball game Thursday afternoon at Watsco Center. The Cardinals, improving to 15-3 overall, turned a narrow halftime lead into a commanding advantage by outscoring the Hurricanes 27-12 in the pivotal third period. Miami, which fell to 10-6, could not recover from the offensive drought. Louisville led 33-35 at halftime after a back-and-forth first half that featured seven ties and five lead changes. The game’s complexion changed entirely after the break. The Cardinals opened the third quarter on a 15-4 run, fueled by Istanbulluoglu’s interior scoring and playmaking. The 6-foot-3 sophomore from Istanbul, Turkey, scored 11 of her points in the quarter, consistently attacking the rim and finding open teammates. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, went cold, missing 10 of their 13 field goal attempts in the quarter and committing five turnovers. Louisville’s defense tightened, converting those Miami mistakes into transition opportunities. By the time the period ended, the Cardinals had built a 60-47 lead, effectively sealing the outcome. Istanbulluoglu’s all-around performance included seven rebounds and five assists in 38 minutes. She was complemented by freshman guard Imari Berry, who scored 16 of her 18 points in the second half, including four three-pointers. Skylar Jones added 12 points off the bench for Louisville. Miami was led by Amarachi Kimpson with 18 points and five assists. Ra Shaya Kyle recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Natalie Wetzel contributed nine points and six boards. Despite the loss, Miami won the rebounding battle 42-38, including a 12-9 edge on the offensive glass. Both teams scored 16 points off turnovers, but Louisville’s superior efficiency proved decisive. The Cardinals scored 100.4 points per 100 possessions, while the Hurricanes managed just 89.3. Louisville shot 46.2% from the field (30 of 65) compared to Miami’s 41.3% (26 of 63). The Cardinals also held a significant advantage from beyond the arc, making eight three-pointers to Miami’s five. The game drew an announced crowd of 606. Louisville entered as a heavy favorite according to advanced metrics, with National Statistical’s ELO system giving the Cardinals an 83% probability to win. Louisville also covered the pregame spread of -11.5. The combined score of 145 fell under the over/under line of 139.5. The victory extends Louisville’s winning streak to three games following ACC wins over SMU and Virginia Tech. The Cardinals will look to continue their conference success when they host Pittsburgh on Sunday. Miami, which had won two of its last three, faces a quick turnaround, hosting Florida State on Sunday. The Hurricanes will aim to rectify their offensive struggles after shooting just 5 for 16 from three-point range and registering only four assists as a team against Louisville’s persistent defense. The game’s most critical sequence was Louisville’s third-quarter blitz, which transformed a tight contest into a comfortable lead. The Cardinals’ ability to lock down defensively and execute efficiently on offense during that stretch underscored their status as the superior team on this afternoon, overcoming a spirited challenge from the Hurricanes on their home floor.

Preview: Louisville Cardinals at Miami Hurricanes in ACC Women’s Basketball CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Louisville team visits a Miami squad looking to rebound in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup Thursday afternoon at the Watsco Center. The eighth-ranked Cardinals (14-3, 2-0 ACC) have won six straight, including a dominant 85-60 victory over then-Virginia Tech last Sunday. Louisville’s offense has been potent during the streak, averaging 85.2 points per game. Forward Laura Ziegler leads the Cardinals’ balanced attack. The junior is averaging 13.4 points and 5.2 rebounds over her last five games, including an 18-point, 9-rebound performance against the Hokies. She is complemented by guards Anaya Hardy and Imari Berry, who combined for 21 points in the win. The Hurricanes (10-5, 1-1) aim to bounce back from a disappointing 70-55 home loss to Clemson. Prior to that, Miami secured a key overtime road win at Virginia Tech. Miami’s fortunes hinge on the play of center Ra Shaya Kyle. The senior is averaging a double-double in conference play (17.5 points, 10.5 rebounds) and nearly posted a triple-double against Clemson with 12 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Her matchup with Louisville’s frontcourt will be pivotal. Louisville has thrived on both ends, holding opponents to 60.2 points per game during its win streak. Miami, which averages 71.3 points, must improve its offensive efficiency after shooting just 32.3% from the field against Clemson. The Cardinals have dominated recent meetings, winning the last four. Miami’s last victory in the series came in February 2022. This contest begins a challenging stretch for both teams. Louisville hosts Pittsburgh on Sunday before a two-game road trip. Miami remains home to face Florida State on Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.