Louisville Overcomes Slow Start, Defeats Vermont in NCAA Tournament

The Cardinals advance to the second round after a 72-52 victory over the Catamounts.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:54pm

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Despite a slow first half, the third-seeded and No. 13 AP ranked Louisville women's basketball team was able to overcome a challenge from 14th-seeded Vermont, defeating the Catamounts 72-52 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cardinals shot 45.3% from the field and 8-of-19 on three-pointers, while holding Vermont to 40.0% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers.

Why it matters

Louisville's victory extends their home NCAA Tournament winning streak to nine games and improves their overall tournament record under head coach Jeff Walz to 42-16, including a 12-2 mark in games hosted at the KFC Yum! Center. The Cardinals are seeking their first national title and this win keeps their tournament run alive.

The details

After trailing 17-16 at the end of the first quarter, Louisville took a 32-28 lead into halftime. The Cardinals then pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Vermont 21-8 to take a 55-38 advantage heading to the fourth. Louisville shot 54.8% from the field and 4-of-8 on three-pointers in the second half, while holding the Catamounts to 36.0% shooting.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Louisville has won nine straight home NCAA Tournament games, last losing in the second round in 2016.

The players

Jeff Walz

The head coach of the Louisville women's basketball team, who has led the Cardinals to a 42-16 record in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“This wasn't our best effort, but we found a way to get the job done and advance to the next round. Vermont is a tough team and we had to work hard to overcome their defensive intensity.”

— Jeff Walz, Head Coach

What’s next

Louisville will face the winner of No. 6 Alabama and No. 11 Rhode Island in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 23 at a to-be-determined time.

The takeaway

Despite a slow start, Louisville's experience and defensive pressure proved to be the difference as they overcame Vermont's stingy defense to secure a spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cardinals' quest for their first national title remains alive.