By Sam Draut–

Coach Jeff Walz thinks 3-0 in the ACC isn’t where most people expected Louisville to be after its slow start in November, but the Cardinals (11-5) remained undefeated in conference play with a 56-45 win over Virginia Tech on Thursday at the KFC YUM! Center.

Myisha Hines-Allen notched her fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The sophomore along with Cortnee Walton aided the Cardinals in outrebounding a physical Virginia Tech 37 to 29. Walton finished with a team-high 11 rebounds.

“In my head I was thinking rebounds, and then points,” Hines-Allen said.

After the teams were tied at the end of the first period, Louisville jumped out on a 13-3 run in the second quarter and went into halftime leading by 13.

Briahanna Jackson attributed the second quarter spark to defensive focus. Louisville held Virginia Tech to one of six shooting from the field in the second period and the Hokies (13-2) scored only five points in the 10 minute period.

“I thought we did a great job at times speeding them up,” Walz said.

Jackson scored 13 points and backcourt mate Asia Durr added 10 points.