The trip to Portland, Oregon was at least enjoyable for one UNC basketball team this past weekend. As the men went 1-2 and suffered back-to-back losses, the women’s program went 2-0 and capped it off by beating No. 5Â Iowa State 73-64 to capture the title on Sunday.
Courtney Banghart’s team rallied from a 17-point deficit to stun the Cyclones and capture the Phil Knight Invitational.
Deja Kelly led the way for the Tar Heels, scoring 29 points including 22 in the second half to help lead the comeback. Kelly’s efforts landed her MVP honors of the tournament.
Deja Kelly had a star-studded performance in No. 8 @uncwbb's championship win in the Phil Knight Invitational 🤩 pic.twitter.com/NpoTS0I3bp
— espnW (@espnW) November 28, 2022
After UNC got off to a slow start, they trailed the Cyclones 35-22 at halftime. But in the second half, UNC got things going outscoring Iowa State 23-18 in the third quarter and then 28-11 in the fourth to seal the win.
Kennedy Todd-Williams scored 17 points while Alyssa Ustby added 14 in the win for UNC.
It was the third-straight game that UNC had to overcome a halftime deficit including two of those against ranked opponents. The Tar Heels completed the tournament by beating Oregon and Iowa State, both ranked teams.
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