Not a ton of time has passed since the UNC women’s basketball team was the ACC’s first-place team.
A 66-61 victory over Miami on Thursday, Jan. 25 moved the Tar Heels into a tie with Syracuse for first, with North Carolina holding the tie thanks to a head-to-head victory.
UNC then lost its next four games, falling down the ACC standings before righting the ship with consecutive wins against Pitt and Wake Forest, which bumped UNC back up to sixth.
Sunday’s road win at Wake Forest was anchored by a 25-point, 10-rebound double from star forward Alyssa Ustby.
The Tar Heels’ victory also saw them shoot a season-best 52.4 percent from the field, which was their best mark since last February.
.@uncwbb completed a weekend sweep with a very efficient performance – just 42 shots, but 22 makes.
That and more in this edition of #MattStats!
(Thread) pic.twitter.com/0EjrJFuDkN
— Matt Krause (@MattKrausePxP) February 19, 2024
Ustby shot a lights-out 10-of-11 on field goals, including her first made 3-pointer on the season, while Maria Gakdeng’s 4-of-6 field goal mark was second-best on North Carolina. Anya Poole, who tied a season-high with 18 minutes in her start, shot 3-of-6 from the field. Deja Kelly made 4-of-10 shots, while Lexi Donarski made one of just two attempts.
The Tar Heels have their toughest remaining regular-season test on Thursday night, as they welcome sixth-ranked rival NC State to Carmichael Arena for an 8 p.m tip.
Will UNC keep shooting lights out against one of the country’s best programs?
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.