College basketball: Louisville beats Notre Dame 79-66, extends winning streak to 10

No. 9 Louisville cruised past No. 23 Notre Dame with a dominant 79-66 victory last night. Reyna Scott’s career-high 20 points powered the Cardinals to their 10th straight win, showcasing their relentless ACC momentum.

Scott’s Breakout Performance Powers Louisville Dominance

Reyna Scott delivered her best game of the season off the bench, scoring 20 points to lead No. 9 Louisville to the decisive victory. The Cardinals guard controlled the pace with clutch plays throughout. Louisville shot efficiently and pulled away decisively in the second half.

Four Louisville players scored in double figures, with eight different Cardinals contributing to the offensive effort. The balanced attack made Notre Dame unable to focus defensive energy on any single player. This offensive variety has become Louisville’s trademark this season.

Notre Dame’s Hidalgo Shines but Falls Short of Upset

Hannah Hidalgo led all scorers with 24 points for Notre Dame, adding five rebounds and eight assists. Despite her stellar individual performance, the Fighting Irish couldn’t contain Louisville’s balanced attack. Hidalgo’s efforts came up short as her teammates struggled to provide consistent support.

Notre Dame (12-5, 4-3 ACC) suffered their first home loss in nearly a year inside Purcell Pavilion. The loss snapped a remarkable home winning streak and highlighted defensive gaps. Louisville’s paint control was particularly dominant throughout.

Game Stats and Team Breakdown

The Cardinals controlled the tempo with a 7-0 run early in the second quarter that set the tone. Louisville outscored Notre Dame 20-10 in crucial stretches, never allowing the Irish to build momentum. Free throw shooting also favored the visitors.

Team	Record	ACC Record
Louisville	17-3	7-0
Notre Dame	12-5	4-3

The Cardinals remain undefeated in conference play with their 7-0 ACC record, establishing themselves as title contenders. Louisville’s depth proved to be the deciding factor. Notre Dame’s resilient defense couldn’t maintain consistency against the well-rounded attack.

‘With four players in double figures and eight different Cardinals scoring, Louisville outpaced Notre Dame and earned its 10th straight victory.’

— Atlantic Coast Conference, Official Game Recap

Louisville’s Streak Highlights Elite Team Chemistry

The 10-game winning streak demonstrates Louisville’s elite-level consistency and adaptability. Coach Jeff Walz has built a team capable of winning games in multiple ways. The Cardinals control games through balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and rebounding advantage.

The win over Notre Dame proves Louisville can compete in tough road environments and hostile venues. Purcell Pavilion presented a challenging atmosphere, yet the Cardinals executed their game plan flawlessly. This victory reinforces their status as an ACC powerhouse heading into the season’s critical stretch.

What’s Next for Both Teams as They Fight for ACC Glory?

The Cardinals will look to extend their winning streak in upcoming conference matchups. Louisville’s remaining schedule features several opportunities to maintain their Perfect ACC record. Meanwhile, Notre Dame will attempt to recover at home in their next contest.

This victory positions Louisville as a legitimate championship contender for the 2025-26 season. The Cardinals’ momentum could carry them deep into the NCAA Tournament. Will Louisville maintain this excellence when facing tougher ACC opponents down the stretch?

Sources

• ESPN – Official NCAA Women’s Basketball Game Recap with box score and statistics
• AP News – Associated Press coverage of Louisville’s 10th consecutive victory
• Atlantic Coast Conference – Official ACC Women’s Basketball game recap and standings update