Louisville, Ky. – The University of Louisville women’s basketball team announced a thunderous start to the 2026‑27 season on Thursday, crushing Bellarmine 119‑47 at the KFC Yum! Center. The Cards surged ahead early, building a 23‑0 run and never looking back, establishing a new program record for points scored in a season‑opening game.
Early domination sets the tone
Louisville’s offense exploded from the opening tip, rattling off a 23‑0 run that left Bellarmine scrambling. By the end of the first quarter, the Cards held a commanding 44‑9 lead, a margin that set the tone for the rest of the night.
Balanced scoring across the roster
Seven Louisville players reached double figures, underscoring the depth of the roster. Tajianna Roberts led the way with 15 points, while Imari Berry and transfer Amiya Jordan each contributed 14 points in limited minutes. Berry’s 14 points came in just 14 minutes of play, highlighting the efficiency of the team’s bench. The Cards also tallied an impressive 27 assists, reflecting crisp ball movement and unselfish play.
Defensive pressure and a brief injury setback
Bellarmine’s lone bright spot came from Hana Abdel Aal, who led the Knights with nine points. Louisville’s forward Elif Istanbulluoglu suffered an apparent lower‑leg injury with 7:55 left in the third quarter after stepping on a Bellarmine player’s foot. Istanbulluoglu was able to return to the bench later in the game, and the team maintained its momentum throughout.
Looking ahead
With the season opener now in the books, the Cards (1‑0) will host Stetson on Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the KFC Yum! Center, hoping to continue their offensive fireworks. Bellarmine (0‑1) will look to rebound when they host Simmons College of Kentucky on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Knights Hall.
Community impact
The record‑setting performance not only energizes the university’s fan base but also reinforces Louisville’s reputation as a hub for high‑caliber collegiate athletics. Local families and alumni are encouraged to attend upcoming games, supporting the team’s pursuit of excellence both on the court and in the community.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
