Good teams beat opponents they should beat.
UNCβs womenβs basketball program has done exactly that this year, winning games against Gardner-Webb, Davidson, Hampton, Elon, Vermont and UNCG.
The Tar Heels have also struggled against stronger teams, losing all three of their games against ranked opponents (fourth to unranked FGCU). Their latest lost to a ranked team came on Sunday, Dec. 10, losing 76-64 to UConn in the Hall of Fame Womenβs Showcase.
Carolina was super close with the 11-time National Champions, tied at 36 apiece during the halftime break. A 29-13 third quarter in the Huskiesβ advantage, however, was the ultimate difference-maker.
Individual accomplishments in games, especially firsts, are always caused for celebration. They donβt feel as good in a loss, but still are means for celebration.
One of UNCβs individual accomplishments to be celebrated came from 6β3β³ forward/center Maria Gakdeng, the Boston College transfer who recorded a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double for her first as a Tar Heel. Gakdeng was also the only Tar Heel who shot over 50 percent from the field, going 6-of-9.
Every UNC started scored in double-figures, led by 14 from Gakdeng. Iowa State transfer Lexi Donarski notched 12, star guard Deja Kelly netted 11, while Alyssa Ustby and Indya Nivar each recorded 10.
Carolina should grab an easy win in its next game, hosting the 2-8 Western Carolina Catamounts on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. ET.
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