Where is Louisville women’s basketball in new AP Top 25 and latest USA TODAY Coaches Poll?

Louisville basketball’s Jeff Walz shares what makes players stand out

Louisville women’s basketball coach Jeff Walz says the Cardinals are focused on developing consistencies and upholding standards to excel as athletes.

Louisville women’s basketball pocketed wins over Colorado and Clemson and moved up one spot, to No. 21, in the latest AP Top 25, released on Monday.

The Cardinals used a fourth-quarter push to beat the Buffaloes, 74-68, then got off to a fast start to open ACC play with a 65-54 win over the Tigers. Laura Ziegler averaged 15 points and eight rebounds in the two contests to help the Cards to a 2-0 week.

Louisville’s success sets up a second consecutive top-25 showdown with rival Kentucky on Saturday at the KFC Yum! Center. The No. 20 Wildcats opened head coach Kenny Brooks’ second year with a 5-0 record. They’ll play their first Power Four foe of the season on Tuesday when they host Purdue.

U of L had won seven straight games against UK until the Wildcats beat the Cardinals, 71-61, in overtime last year. Kentucky has the 35-24 all-time series lead.

But before the rivalry game, Louisville will host Morehead State at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

14. North Carolina

16. N.C. State

21. Louisville

24. Notre Dame

This story will be updated on Tuesday following the release of the USA TODAY Coaches Poll.

Reach Louisville football, women’s basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.