Louisville Women's Basketball Prepares for Sweet 16 Matchup vs. Michigan

Cardinals head coach Jeff Walz and players Tajianna Roberts, Elif Istanbulluoglu preview upcoming game against the Wolverines

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:08pm

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The Louisville women's basketball team is back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2023. Head coach Jeff Walz, guard Tajianna Roberts, and forward Elif Istanbulluoglu met with the media to discuss their NCAA Tournament run so far and preview their upcoming matchup against Michigan on Saturday.

Why it matters

Louisville has been one of the more consistent programs in the ACC, making the Sweet 16 in 13 of the last 17 seasons. The Cardinals' ability to maintain this level of success despite roster turnover and changes in college basketball highlights the strong culture and coaching staff Walz has built in Louisville.

The details

Walz, Roberts, and Istanbulluoglu spoke about the team's balanced scoring attack, with six different players scoring 20+ points in a game this season. They also praised the energy and playmaking of sophomore guard Imari Berry, who has emerged as a key contributor off the bench. The players emphasized the privilege of playing with such a talented group and the confidence they have in each other to make plays.

  • The Cardinals and Wolverines face off on Saturday, March 28 at 12:30 p.m. EST in the Sweet 16.

The players

Jeff Walz

The head coach of the Louisville women's basketball team, who has led the program to 13 Sweet 16 appearances in the last 17 seasons.

Tajianna Roberts

A sophomore guard for the Louisville Cardinals.

Elif Istanbulluoglu

A sophomore forward for the Louisville Cardinals.

Imari Berry

A sophomore guard for the Louisville Cardinals who has emerged as a key contributor off the bench with her energy, scoring, and passing ability.

Mackenly Randolph

A sophomore forward for the Louisville Cardinals known for her physical, aggressive "bully ball" style of play.

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What they’re saying

“I want to start off first by saying what a great experience this has been so far. Everyone here in Fort Worth has been absolutely first class. Everything has been handled fantastic. It's been a really good experience for our kids, and we're looking forward to a great basketball game tomorrow with a very talented Michigan basketball team.”

— Jeff Walz, Head Coach

“Mack is a sweetheart. I told her mom and dad that if -- I've got three girls myself, and if they grew up to be like her, they would be top-notch. I'd be thrilled. She's as giving and caring, compassionate as any player I've ever had off the floor.”

— Jeff Walz, Head Coach

“Spending the same court with the pros, I feel like the level that I see, I was, like, yeah, I want to go to that level, and it made me realize, like, what am I supposed to do. And having my coach with me is also, okay, that's what I want, and he knows, and he pushes me every day.”

— Elif Istanbulluoglu, Sophomore Forward

“Imari Berry, she's a baller. She got a feel for the game that you can't see. You either have it or you don't have it, and she does crazy things all the time where I'm looking at her and I'm, like, you did not just do that, and she makes the shot.”

— Laura Ziegler, Sophomore Forward

“I think as her fellow sophomore and seeing her evolution from us being freshmen to this year, it's really so surreal. She's made the biggest leap that I think anybody has made. It's so amazing to see just how well she's flourished this year.”

— Tajianna Roberts, Sophomore Guard

What’s next

The winner of the Louisville-Michigan matchup will advance to the Elite Eight, with a chance to reach the Final Four.

The takeaway

Louisville's consistent success under Jeff Walz, built on a strong culture, balanced scoring, and the development of talented young players, has the Cardinals poised for another deep NCAA Tournament run. Their showdown with Michigan features two of the top sophomore classes in the country, setting up an exciting Sweet 16 clash.