“I’m excited, too. That’s the plan. That’s what we fight for, nothing less,” said Louisville Cardinals player Elif Istanbulluoglu as her team prepares for the ACC championship game against the Duke Blue Devils.

The No. 2 seed Louisville Cardinals, with a record of 27-6, will take on the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils, who stand at 23-8, in a highly anticipated matchup at the Gas South Arena on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Duke has demonstrated a strong performance throughout the season, outscoring opponents by an average of 15.6 points per game, with an impressive overall scoring differential of +482. In contrast, Louisville has been known for its offensive prowess, averaging 80.4 points per game, ranking 17th in college basketball.

However, the Cardinals have struggled defensively, allowing 60.5 points per game, which places them 85th in the nation. Louisville’s ability to hit 7.8 three-pointers per game, ranking 49th in college basketball, will be crucial in their strategy against Duke.

Duke’s head coach, Kara Lawson, commented on the pressure of the championship game, stating, “Pressure? No. Everybody in this league knows they can beat us.” This confidence comes from Duke’s historical success in the ACC, where they have won the tournament crown nine times and hold a 56-48 all-time record in postseason action.

Louisville’s recent history against Duke adds an extra layer of motivation for the Cardinals. They lost to the Blue Devils in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals last season and again during a home matchup on February 5 this year. Imari Berry, another key player for Louisville, expressed her determination: “Last year, we fell short. So, this year, I’m ready to get my revenge.”

As the teams prepare for the championship clash, Taina Mair leads all scorers at halftime with 10 points, five rebounds, and two steals, showcasing the talent within the Louisville roster.

Following the championship game, Duke will await the announcement of their next opponent on Selection Sunday, March 15, at 8 p.m., on ESPN. The stakes are high as both teams look to solidify their positions heading into the NCAA tournament.

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