I've said it once, and I'll say it again: This team is special.
The third-ranked Louisville Cardinals defeated the 12-2 NC State Wolfpack, 55-47, and earned their best start in program history. They're 16-0, surpassing the previous record set in 2006-07. It wasn't the sharpest effort. At times, NC State went on massive runs, and cut the deficit almost in half. Despite this, the Cards were able to ride a huge first period, and hang on to the lead. Asia Durr had 17 points. Myisha Hines-Allen had a double-double, with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Louisville held NC State to just one point in the first. One point. They had 13 boards, all defensive, and forced three turnovers. The Cards weren't sharp shooting, however, making five of 13 baskets, three of which were beyond the arc.
The dominance continued for the first five minutes of the second period. The Cards had an 11-0 run going. Then, NC State turned on the gas. They had a three, two baskets, two free-throws, and a jump shot to end the period. Louisville only out-scored them by two in the period. At halftime, the score was 28-12 Louisville.
NC State outscored Louisville in the third. They ended the period on a 12-0 run. Louisville was able to put up 13 points, 10 of which were from Durr. All of them came in the first six minutes. NC State had three more defensive boards than Louisville. The Cards turned the ball over three times, and State had three points off of them,. Louisville still maintained a 41-30 lead heading into the fourth.
NC State continued to come back in the fourth. They whittled Louisville's lead to just four, before Louisville began to pull away. The Cards ended the period on a 5-2 run, and finalized the score.
Though it wasn't the sharpest win, the Cards still earned this win. They hope to extend the streak Thursday, January 4th, against No. 14 Duke. The game will be at the KFC Yum! Center, at 7 pm.