By Derek DeBurger

No. 16 Louisville picks up a major conference win over the No. 21 Syracuse Orange to stay atop the ACC standings.

It was a simple idea: limit the impact of star Dyaisha Fair and hold onto the ball. The execution was harder; Syracuse forced four turnovers and Fair dropped seven points in the first quarter, resulting in a 21-14 Orange lead early on.

The Orange bounced back and forth between man-to-man and two-three and one-two-two zones, stymieing the Louisville offense. At the start of the second quarter, Louisville was able to bust the different zone looks open, forcing Syracuse to rely more on man-to-man defense after a 10-0 run to start the quarter. After Syracuse finally scored in the second quarter, Louisville’s 16-2 run led to a seven-point lead.

Louisville still had momentum, leading 40-34 at the half.

In the third quarter, Louisville was better able to feel Syracuse’s responses, always keeping them at arms-length. The Orange cut the lead as close as five by the middle of the quarter, but the Cards responded by holding them scoreless for over three minutes while pushing the lead to as high as 13.

Fair tried to take control of the game, and she was able to score 13 of her 28 points in the fourth quarter, but Louisville was able to break the press of the Orange too well, putting the game away on the free throw line.

Louisville would win 81-69.

This was a massive win for the Cards.

Syracuse is a very talented and well-coached team, and they were one of the handful of teams who were all vying for the top spot in the ACC. Thursday’s game also marks the continuation of Louisville’s improvement in limiting their turnovers, as Syracuse is a great team at getting steals. Fifteen turnovers from the team may not seem like a good mark, but against a team as effectively aggressive as the Orange, it’s a solid number.

Nyla Harris also had a career night, getting career-highs of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Kiki Jefferson stepped up in a major way, leading the team with 21 points, and Nina Rickards and Sydney Taylor contributed double-digit points, too.

After yet another statement win, Louisville advances to 19-3 on the season and 8-1 in the ACC.

File Photos // Vinny Porco, The Louisville Cardinal