Story by
Turnovers, rough second half doom UNC WBB as Tar Heels fall Thursday in rematch with Duke
- Story by
- Turnovers, rough second half doom UNC WBB as Tar Heels fall Thursday in rematch with Duke
No one could stop the UNC women's basketball team during the month of February. The Tar Heels won six consecutive games earlier this month – seven straight if you count back to January, showcasing their abilities as road warriors.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, North Carolina's 7-game winning streak came to an abrupt end with a 68-53 loss at archrival Duke.
Advertisement
Despite holding a 32-31 lead at halftime, the Tar Heels (25-5, 13-4) struggled immensely in the second half, scoring just 21 total points. The host Blue Devils (22-7, 13-4), who also snapped UNC's undefeated road record in the process, exploded for 37 points in the second half.
North Carolina played Thursday without starters Alyssa Ustby (knee injury) and Reniya Kelly (undisclosed), but held its own in the first half, thanks to the play of star freshman guard Lanie Grant (finished with ream-high 17 points). What hurt the Tar Heels, though, was their inability to take care of the basketball. UNC turned the ball over 20 times, while Duke only had eight.
North Carolina outshot their rival Blue Devils, 44.2-40.6 percent, but struggled defensively. Three Duke players scored in double-figures: Reigan Richardson dropped 23 in the starting lineup, while Ashlon Jackson did the same with 11 points. Toby Fournier gave the Tar Heels problems all night long, exploding for a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench.
Advertisement
Indya Nivar and Lexi Donarski each scored 10 points for UNC, but bench production was minimal compared to that of the Blue Devils, with Laila Hull and Blanca Thomas combining for four points.
North Carolina is still in a good position for the ACC and NCAA Tournament , despite Thursday's big loss. Hopefully the Tar Heels get Ustby and Kelly back soon, because they're both needed for a deep run.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC WBB loses 68-53 at Duke Thursday, sees winning come to abrupt end
