UNC Basketball: Tar Heels fall to Crimson Tide 80-71 in Round of 64

UNC women’s basketball program loses to Alabama in Round of 64

The North Carolina women’s basketball program got an outstanding performance from senior guard Stephanie Watts, who scored a team-high 29 points in an 80-71 Round of 64 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday afternoon.

Watts hit 10-of-16 shots for the game, and 7-of-11 from three-point range. She also racked up three rebounds, three assists and three blocks en route to one of the best games of her terrific collegiate career.

UNC senior center Janelle Bailey added 16 points and nine rebounds in her final game as a Tar Heel, while freshman guards Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby each added seven points, but combined to hit just 4-of-24 shots for the game. The Tar Heels shot just 37 percent for the game, but did knock down 42 percent of their attempts from long-range and all nine of their free throws.

Alabama was led by Jordan Lewis, who put together one of the most impressive performances that women’s basketball has seen this season. Lewis hit 11-of-21 shots overall, 4-of-7 from three-point range and 6-of-8 at the free throw line. She just missed a triple-double with her 11 rebounds and eight assists.

The Crimson Tide also got 14 points from Hannah Barber, 13 points from Jasmine Walker and 11 from Ariyah Copeland. Alabama connected on 46 percent from the floor, and 50 percent from beyond the arc. The Tide also outrebounded the Tar Heels by 13 boards.

The Tar Heels’ 2020-21 season ends with a record of 13-11. They will lose a handful of players from this year’s roster, but will return a number of key players, and welcome in an outstanding young recruiting class.

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