Tag: UNC Women’s Basketball

UNC drops four spots in latest AP Women’s Poll

The UNC women’s basketball program slides down four spots in the AP Top 25 after posting a 1-1 record.

The UNC women’s basketball program is No. 24 on this week’s Associated Press Top 25 poll.

The Tar Heels slid down four spots from last week, stemming from their shocking 81-66 loss to the 11-10 Virginia Cavaliers. The upset derailed UNC’s momentum, snapping their four-game win streak in the process.

UNC picked up big wins over No.16 Louisville, No. 14 Notre Dame, and No. 21 Syracuse this month and currently holds a 7-2 record in the conference. The Tar Heels can boost their rankings on next week’s poll with big games against No. 5 NC State and No. 17 Virginia Tech on this week’s schedule.

The pace this season for UNC has been outstanding, with any player liable to fill up the stat sheet. Deja Kelly has been a big key in setting that pace ranking eighth in the ACC in assist-turnover ratio at 1.62.

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UNC Women’s basetball holds off late push from Miami

The UNC women’s basketball team escaped an upset attempt from Miami on Thursday to stay atop the ACC.

For the first three quarters, the North Carolina Tar Heels women’s basketball team looked in control in their 66-61 win over Miami on Thursday night in Chapel Hill. And despite getting the win, they had to hold off a late surge from Miami to avoid the upset.

UNC led 52-39 after three quarters, including jumping out to a 22-8 lead after the first. But in the fourth, the Hurricanes out-scored the Tar Heels 22-14 to get back in the game and try to pull the upset. They even cut the lead down to 62-61 with just over 28 seconds left on a steal and a layup.

While things looked dicey at the end, Courtney Banghart’s team didn’t back down and was able to seal the deal with stops and free throws late to escape.

It was a little nerve-wracking in the end, especially watching that big lead slowly trickle down. But when it mattered most, UNC was able to make those plays and get the big win at home.

The Tar Heels had five players in double digits in the game led by Deja Kelly’s 18 points as she helped pace UNC until the end. Maria Gakdeng added 13 while Lexi Donarski and Alyssa Ustby each added 12 in the win.

With the win over Miami, UNC improved to 15-5 overall and 7-1 in ACC play putting them in a tie for first place with Syracuse atop the standings going into Sunday’s matchup against Virginia.

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Alyssa Ustby on National Award Watch List

Alyssa Ustby has been a key cog for the UNC women’s basketball team this year, nearly averaging a double-double. She may win an award, too.

After a tough exit against Ohio State, in the Round of 32 during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, the UNC women’s basketball team is setting its sights even higher.

So far in ACC play, the Tar Heels look like a significantly-improved team.

Behind a heavy veteran presence, UNC (14-5, 6-1) is tied atop the ACC with Syracuse. North Carolina beat the Orange head-to-head, so technically, North Carolina is the current leader.

Tar Heels head coach Courtney Banghart utilized the offseason transfer portal extremely effectively, snatching a pair of starters in Maria Gakdeng and Lexi Donarski. Indya Nivar, whose minutes make her UNC’s unofficial “sixth woman,” is a key piece of depth who flirts with starting playing time.

While star guard Deja Kelly leads North Carolina in scoring, it’s hear teammate who’s on a National watch list.

Alyssa Ustby, the senior forward from Minnesota who nearly averages a double-double (12.6 points, 9.5 rebounds per game), was named to the Cheryl Miller Award Top 10 list.

The Cheryl Miller Award goes to the top small forward in all of women’s college basketball.

Ustby finds herself in the Top 10 for the second-consecutive season, plus on the entire watch list for a third-straight year. She is joined in the ACC by Lousiville’s Kiki Jefferson.

If Ustby is indeed named a finalist, she’ll be notified in March. If Ustby wins, she’ll be notified upon conclusion of the 2023-2024 campaign.

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ACC-leading Tar Heels climb three spots in Women’s AP Poll

The UNC women’s basketball team is atop the ACC, with a few ranked wins already under their belts. Where are they in the newest AP Poll?

Either NC State, Louisville or Virginia Tech – all consistently top programs in women’s college basketball – is atop the ACC, right?

Nope.

There’s an amazing, experienced and talented team in Chapel Hill leading the stacked ACC. That team would be none other than – if you hadn’t guessed already – UNC.

Deja Kelly is enjoying her hottest streak of the season, scoring 20 points in four consecutive games. The Tar Heels have taken down ranked teams in Notre Dame, Louisville and Syracuse already, while coming close against others like South Carolina and Florida State.

With how well UNC is playing, it’s no surprise to see them climb the rankings a bit.

The Tar Heels jumped three spots to 20th in Monday’s AP Poll, sandwiched between the Hokies and Creighton.

It’s not just Kelly doing all the work in Chapel Hill. She’s being aided by not only fellow senior captain Alyssa Ustby, who’s nearly averaging a double-double (12.6 points, 9.5 rebounds per game), but a trio of experienced transfers in starting center Maria Gakdeng, starting guard Lexi Donarski and sixth woman Indya Nivar.

Carolina has Miami (FL) coming to town on Thursday for an 8 p.m. tip-off. If the Tar Heels and Notre Dame (playing Syracuse) both win Thursday, the Tar Heels move into sole possession of first place in the ACC.

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UNC WBB upsets Louisville, takes over first place in ACC

The UNC women’s basketball team took over first place in the ACC on Sunday, upsetting 13th-ranked Louisville in Chapel Hill.

We’re not remotely close to March Madness and there’s already upsets galore.

Number one teams have gone down, we’re starting to see possible Big Dance Cinderellas and the unthinkable’s happened – Pitt over Duke?

One of Sunday’s biggest upsets came in the ACC – from the UNC women’s basketball team.

The Tar Heels broke a 39-all tie in the third quarter, outscoring 13th-ranked Louisville by 11, to win 79-68 and take over first place in the ACC. Carolina is tied at 6-1 with Syracuse in conference play, but owns the tiebreaker due to its Jan. 4 victory.

UNC faced a 2-point deficit early in the third quarter, then never trailed again after an 11-0 run. Deja Kelly put the Heels on her back in the third, scoring 11 of her 23 points, for her third-consecutive game with 20 points.

Lexi Donarski (13), Alyssa Ustby and Indya Nivar (10 each) all joined Kelly in double-digits, while every Tar Heel but Anya Poole and Teonni Key made four shots.

Carolina played in front of a packed Carmichael Arena, with over 6,000 fans in attendance. Expect Carmichael to be packed even more for future games, as the Tar Heels are now in first place.

UNC gets University of Miami (FL) next, with the Hurricanes coming to Chapel Hill for an 8 p.m. tip-off on Thursday. Miami (12-5, 2-4 ACC) beat NC State by 14 on Thursday.

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Deja Kelly goes off, leads Tar Heels to tough road win at Georgia Tech

If UNC women’s basketball star Deja Kelly has the ball, opponents are going to have a tough time. She scored 27 points in a Thursday win.

Have a day, Deja Kelly.

The UNC women’s basketball team’s star point guard has been showing out in her final collegiate season, consistently leading her team in scoring and dropping 20 points on the regular. Along with fellow senior captain Alyssa Ustby, plus a trio of off-season transfers in Lexi Donarski, Maria Gakdeng and Indya Nivar, Kelly is helping make the Tar Heels a legitimate ACC threat.

Kelly’s most recent 20-point outing came earlier on Thursday, Jan. 28, as she dropped 27 to lead Carolina in a 73-68 road victory over Georgia Tech. Her most impactful points came from the charity stripe, making six free throws in the final 23 seconds.

With the win, Kelly’s second-consecutive game with 27 points, the 23rd-ranked Tar Heels (13-5, 5-1) jumped Florida State for third place in the ACC.

Though UNC only won by five, it maintained a lead at the end of each quarter. Carolina held a 17-11 advantage after the opening quarter, 2-point lead at halftime and 8-point advantage heading into the final frame.

Alyssa Ustby continued her strong stretch of play, adding 15 points for the Tar Heels. Sophomore guard Teonni Key enjoyed her best game of the year, adding on a season-high 10 points.

UNC will be playing for first place in the ACC on Sunday, as Louisville comes to Carmichael Arena for a 2 p.m. tip-off. The Cardinals (16-2, 5-0) are winners of their past six matchups.

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UNC drops three spots in latest AP Women’s Poll

After splitting games against Florida State and UVA last week, the UNC women’s basketball team dropped slightly in the latest AP Poll.

After having its second 5-game win streak of the campaign snapped by Florida State last week, the UNC women’s basketball team responded with a dominant home victory over UVA on Sunday.

Carolina celebrated its 1994 National Championship team, which including former longtime head coach Sylvia Hatchell. The Tar Heels then put on a show for just over 4,500 fans, blowing out the visiting Cavaliers by 13 points.

Even with its recent hot streak, UNC finds itself clinging on to a low ranking in the latest AP Poll. Carolina dropped three spots to 23rd, a spot behind Marquette and just ahead of Iowa State.

The Tar Heels could find themselves climbing this poll with strong results in their upcoming games. They travel to 12-5 Georgia Tech for a 6 p.m. ET tip Thursday, then host #13 Louisville next Sunday at 2 p.m.

Being ranked in the AP Poll is always something teams like to see, but it’s not a requirement to make the NCAA Tournament, particularly if you’re in a Power 5 conference like UNC. Carolina ended last year ranked 20th in the AP Poll – will they be higher at the conclusion of the current season?

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Champions line Carmichael Arena for UNC’s Alumni Day victory

Sunday’s UNC women’s hoops game honored the 1994 NCAA Championship-winning team. The current Tar Heels dominated UVA in a 13-point victory.

Sunday was exactly the type of game UNC’s women’s basketball team needed.

After losing on the road to Florida State last week, Carolina came back home to Carmichael Arena for a special game – Alumni Day.

In front of an announced crowd of 4,579, the Tar Heels dominated UVA from the opening tip for an 81-68, UNC victory.

Carolina star captains Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby were the on-court highlights, combining for 44 points on 16 game field goals and eight free throws, but the main highlights were on UNC’s guests: members of the 1994 NCAA Championship Team.

There were over 90 Tar Heel women’s hoops members in attendance, including longtime Championship-winning head coach Sylvia Hatchell, Jennifer Alley and current head coach Courtney Banghart. A halftime ceremony honored all present, with the 1994 title team introduced between the third and fourth quarters.

Heading back to the game, UNC never trailed against a Cavaliers squad that lost its fifth consecutive matchup. The Tar Heels’ most dominating quarters came in the opening and closing ones, with a 19-12 advantage after the first and 28-16 after the final frame.

“Hats off to a really good Virginia team,” UNC coach Courtney Banghart told GoHeels.com. “Those guys have had a really tough conference schedule so far, they’ve already played NC State twice, they’ve played us, they’ve played Duke, and Georgia Tech. And Camryn Taylor – hats off. She’s a hard kid to guard.”

The Tar Heels look to start another winning streak this Thursday, as they travel to Georgia Tech for a 6 p.m. tip-off. The Yellow Jackets (12-5, 3-2) are coming off an 84-46 loss at Duke.

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Two future Tar Heels nominated for All-American game

The All-American Game is the most prestigious, high school All-Star basketball game. A pair of future Tar Heel hoopsters may play in it.

Ever since the UNC women’s basketball team played UConn before Christmas, winning has been easy to come by in Chapel Hill.

Before Thursday night’s loss at Florida State, another ranked ACC program, Carolina had won five straight. The Tar Heels took down Western Carolina, Oklahoma, Clemson, plus ranked Notre Dame and Syracuse on the road.

UNC is led by star senior duo Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby, but also reinforced by a trio of transfers in Maria Gakdeng, Lexi Donarski and Indya Nivar. Kelly, Ustby, Donarski and Gakdeng all average double-digits, while Nivar just reached the 10-point mark for the second-consecutive outing.

Kelly and Ustby are graduating this Spring, while Donarski’s eligibility runs out.

What Carolina loses in these three, it gains in a pair of studs next

5-star Bianca Thomas and 4-star Jordan Zubich, UNC’s two committed recruits in the Class of 2024 cycle, were recently announced as McDonalds All-American Game nominees.

The McDonalds All-American Game, if you aren’t familiar with it, is arguably the greatest All-Star high school basketball contest.

Thomas, a star center for the Charlotte (NC) Catholic Cougars, is averaging a double-double in her senior season. Charlotte Catholic is atop the 4A Southwestern conference now with a 12-2 (5-0) record, winning its first ten games.

Zubich, a high-scoring guard for the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers, is averaging 26.2 points per game over her past three varsity seasons. She’s sporting a career-best 26.6 PPG this season, with her team holding a 13-2 (2-0) record barely into conference play.

The future is bright in Chapel Hill for the UNC women’s basketball program.

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UNC Women’s Basketball at Florida State: Game preview, info, prediction and more

The UNC and Florida State women’s basketball team play each other, on Thursday night, in a battle of two top teams in the ACC. Who wins?

If you’re a college basketball fan, turn your televisions to the ACC Network on Thursday night.

At 6 p.m. ET, the UNC (20) and Florida State (21) women’s basketball teams will be playing each other in a Top-25 matchup. This game pits two of the ACC’s best teams against each other, with the victor owning a tie-breaker that will prove crucial come conference tournament time.

The Tar Heels (11-4, 3-0) are winners of their past five games, starting with a 60-point drubbing of Charleston Southern and also including a pair of ranked wins – Syracuse (at the time) and Notre Dame. UNC has one of the country’s most-talented senior duos in Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby, plus a couple of key transfers in Maria Gakdeng and Lexi Donarski.

The Seminoles (13-4, 4-1), hoping to make their 11th-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, are coming off a 78-72 win at Clemson on Sunday afternoon. While FSU nearly upset N.C. State in Raleigh last Thursday, the highlight of its season was a 1-point win over Tennessee in early November. The Seminoles are led by 20-point scorer Ta’Niya Latson.

If Carolina wins Thursday night, it’ll either take sole possession of first place in the ACC or stay tied with Virginia Tech. If the ‘Noles win, they could take over first place.