LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a dominant display on the court, the No. 23 ranked Louisville women's basketball team cruised to a 91-38 victory over Eastern Illinois on Friday night, kicking off a multi-team event at the KFC Yum! Center. Three starters—Tajianna Roberts, Mackenly Randolph, and Elif Istanbulluoglu—combined for 37 points, setting the tone early and never looking back as the Cardinals improved their record to 5-2.
The game, which served as the opening matchup for both teams in the event, saw Louisville take control almost immediately. According to reports from the Associated Press, Istanbulluoglu drained a 3-pointer just 56 seconds into the contest, giving the Cardinals the lead they would hold for the remainder of the night. This early momentum propelled Louisville into a commanding position, as they built on that spark with efficient scoring and stout defense.
Roberts emerged as the top scorer among the starters, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. She also grabbed five rebounds, contributing on both ends of the floor. Her performance underscored the balanced attack that has become a hallmark of Louisville's early-season success, blending perimeter shooting with interior presence.
Mackenly Randolph was equally impressive, scoring 12 points while going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field. Her efficiency helped the Cardinals maintain a high shooting percentage throughout the game. Randolph's ability to convert every attempt highlighted the Panthers' defensive struggles, as Eastern Illinois, now 0-6 on the season, couldn't contain the Cardinals' offensive versatility.
Istanbulluoglu matched Randolph's output with 12 points of her own, adding six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals to her stat line. Her all-around game was crucial in disrupting Eastern Illinois' rhythm, particularly in the paint where the Panthers relied heavily on their lone double-digit scorer, Tiny Lewis. Lewis tallied 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, but it was not enough to keep the game competitive.
Off the bench, Anaya Hardy provided a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, further emphasizing Louisville's depth. The Cardinals capitalized on Eastern Illinois' miscues, forcing 31 turnovers that they converted into 39 points. This opportunistic play was a key factor in the lopsided score, as Louisville scored at least 21 points in each quarter, a testament to their sustained energy.
The first quarter set the stage for the blowout, with Louisville closing the period on a 12-0 run to lead 25-12 heading into the second. From there, the Cardinals methodically pulled away, using their size and speed advantages to overwhelm the Panthers. Eastern Illinois, playing their sixth straight loss, struggled to find offensive footing beyond Lewis' contributions, shooting inefficiently and committing costly errors.
Louisville's coach, Jeff Walz, has emphasized team chemistry in recent interviews, and this game reflected that focus. The starters' combined efficiency—Roberts' sharpshooting, Randolph's perfection, and Istanbulluoglu's defensive prowess—allowed the bench to rest while still building a massive lead. Hardy’s double-double came in limited minutes, showcasing the reserves' readiness to step up when called upon.
For Eastern Illinois, the defeat extends a tough start to the season. The Panthers, under head coach Matt Spinelli, have yet to secure a win, and their turnover-prone play has been a recurring issue. Lewis' 10 points provided a bright spot, but the team's inability to protect the ball against a ranked opponent like Louisville exposed areas for improvement as they navigate a challenging non-conference schedule.
The multi-team event continues for both squads over the weekend. Louisville is set to host East Tennessee State on Saturday before wrapping up against Bellarmine on Sunday. These matchups will test the Cardinals' depth as they aim to climb the rankings and prepare for Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Eastern Illinois, meanwhile, faces Bellarmine on Saturday followed by East Tennessee State on Sunday. With six losses already, the Panthers are eager to find their stride, perhaps using these games to build confidence and refine their execution against mid-major competition.
This victory marks another step in Louisville's resurgence under Walz, who has guided the program to consistent NCAA Tournament appearances. Ranked No. 23 in the latest AP poll, the Cardinals entered the game with a 4-2 record, showing promise in wins over quality opponents but also areas to tighten, like their occasional defensive lapses in prior contests.
Eastern Illinois, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, has historically faced uphill battles against Power Five programs. Friday's result aligns with that trend, but the Panthers' youth and inexperience suggest potential for growth as the season progresses. Lewis, a sophomore guard, has been a consistent performer, and her emergence could be pivotal for the team's turnaround.
Beyond the box score, the game highlighted broader trends in women's college basketball, where ranked teams like Louisville are using early-season tournaments to experiment with lineups and build momentum. The AP Top 25 poll, updated weekly, will reflect such performances, and Louisville's decisive win positions them well for upward movement.
As the weekend unfolds, eyes will be on how both teams adjust. For Louisville, maintaining this level of dominance could solidify their status as a contender, while Eastern Illinois seeks that elusive first victory to boost morale. The multi-team event promises more competitive action, offering insights into each program's trajectory heading into December.