In one of the ACC’s greatest upsets this year so far, the UNC women’s basketball team took down a ranked Notre Dame squad, 61-57, on Sunday afternoon in South Bend, Ind.
Carolina (11-4, 3-0) led for most of the first half, but fell behind entering the fourth quarter. The Tar Heel defense then locked down in the fourth quarter, limiting the Fighting Irish (10-3, 1-2) to just 11 points. UNC withstood double-digit scoring performances from Sonia Citron (18), Hannah Hidalgo (17) and KK Bransford (12).
Indya Nivar (16) and Lexi Donarski (13), both offseason transfers, were the only two Tar Heels to score in double-figures. Nivar and Maria Gakdeng, the Boston College transfer, were the only two Tar Heels to shoot over 50 percent.
With its fifth-consecutive win, UNC returned to the AP Poll at 20, just a spot ahead of Florida State.
Aaaaaand … we’re back 😎#GoHeels | #InPursuit pic.twitter.com/g75DuYqPnA
— Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) January 8, 2024
Carolina’s loss to UConn seemed to spur its hot streak, as the women in baby blue have taken down Western Carolina, Oklahoma, Clemson, Syracuse and now Notre Dame. The victory over WCU saw a 60-point spread, while UNC beat Syracuse by 24 points.
The Tar Heels get another tough test on Thursday, Jan. 11, as they travel to Tallahassee and play 21st-ranked Florida State. Carolina will try for just its third win in 10 tries against the Seminoles (8-1, 3-1).
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