LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hailey Van Lith scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead No. 5 Louisville to a 101-58 victory in its home opener over Eastern Kentucky on Sunday.
The Cardinals (2-0) used a 16-2 run to start the second quarter, take a 35-14 lead with 5:17 left in the half and put the game away. They would lead by as much as 40-16 in the half.
Van Lith, a McDonald's High School All-American last season, lived up to expectations in her home debut. She made 7-of-13 shots, including five 3-pointers.
Social distancing restrictions forced Louisville to reduce capacity for Sunday's game.
"Although it wasn't the typical game that I had seen on my visits, it was still a great first game at home," she said. "I really enjoyed the fans. I can't wait to play in front of them again."
Senior guard Dana Evans also scored 20. A preseason All-American, Evans made just 7-of-16 shots Sunday, but added seven assists.
Louisville coach Jeff Walz said he's excited watching his two highly touted guards on the court at the same time.
"It's going to be fun," he said. "If Dana and Hailey continue to develop a chemistry with each other, it could be a really exciting season to watch those two play."
