LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Louisville's defense never rested as the Cardinals overwhelmed Chattanooga.

Dana Evans scored 18 points to lead No. 8 Louisville to an 86-37 victory over the Mocs on Thursday night.

Despite posting a season high in points, the Cardinals (4-0) were more impressive on defense. They held the Mocs to just 24.6% shooting, while forcing 18 turnovers, outrebounding their guests 59-28 and only committing 11 fouls.

That defensive effort allowed Louisville, which shot 34.9% in the first half, to go on a 15-2 run over a six-minute stretch in the second quarter and hold a 35-11 lead in the final minute of the half.

Chattanooga coach Katie Burrows said her players dribbled too much, allowing the Cardinals to contain them with pressure.

"Bottom line is that we didn't do the things that we said we needed to do in order to compete," Burrows said. "That's the frustrating thing for me."

Louisville warmed up from the field after halftime, shooting 58.8%.

Evans, a junior guard, made 8 of 12 shots. The point guard was particularly effective playing off the ball, scoring eight straight points from that position in the third quarter.

"That's what she's doing really well right now," Louisville coach Jeff Walz said. "She's scoring the basketball."

Kylee Shook posted her third consecutive double-double, going for 12 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Norika Konno added a career-high 11 points. Elizabeth Balogun added 11 rebounds to go with nine points.

Eboni Williams paced Chattanooga (1-6) with a season-high 18 points.

POLL IMPLCATIONS

Louisville did nothing to hurt its standing in the AP Top 25. With a win Sunday, the Cardinals will remain in the top 10, where they have been every week since the start of the 2017-18 season.

 UP NEXT

Louisville hosts Boise State on Sunday. It will be the last home game for the Cardinals until Dec. 29, when they open ACC play against Syracuse.