The UNC women’s basketball team continues to prove why it should be seriously considered as one of the country’s best.
North Carolina’s early-season dominance continued on Sunday afternoon inside Carmichael Arena, as it stomped Coppin State, 72-46.
UNC (9-1) scored 46 points alone in the first half, 23 in both the first and second quarters, which ended up being the visiting Eagles’ (6-5) point total. North Carolina cooled off a bit in the second half, totaling just 26 points (14 in the third quarter, 12 in the fourth), but Coppin State wasn’t able take advantage.
All 13 players on the Tar Heels’ roster saw game action Sunday, with guard Indya Nivar playing a team-high 22 minutes. Maria Gakdeng, UNC’s star center who missed several games earlier this season with injury, was one of 12 Tar Heels to score. Gakdeng turned in a game-high 10 points.
North Carolina dominated Coppin State in virtually every area, but most notably in 3-point percentage, rebounds, assists and points in the paint.
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The Tar Heels shot 46.2 percent from the perimeter, an encouraging sign considering their struggles earlier this season. Lexi Donarski, arguably UNC’s best 3-point shooter, went 3-of-5 from deep.
North Carolina used height to its advantage, out-rebounding Coppin State 49-37. Nivar, Blanca Thomas and Trayanna Crisp each grabbed six boards. The Tar Heels also carried a 22-8 points in the paint advantage.
UNC dished out 18 assists to the visiting Eagles’ six. Nivar and Alyssa Ustby each recorded three assists.
North Carolina will stay home for two more games this week, facing UNC-Greensboro on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Georgia Tech on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. in its ACC opener.
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