Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Basketball dominates Jackson State in season opener

By Nick Delahanty

Mar 4, 2022; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Alyssa Ustby (1) shoots a jumper over Virginia Tech Hokies forward D'asia Gregg (11) during the first quarter at Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2022; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Alyssa Ustby (1) shoots a jumper over Virginia Tech Hokies forward D'asia Gregg (11) during the first quarter at Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The UNC basketball program got off to a strong start to the 2022-2023 season with a dominant victory over Jackson State on Wednesday night.

Dominant. The best word to describe the UNC basketball program in their season opener.

Courtney Banghart’s team put together a strong performance on both ends of the floor en route to a 91-59 victory at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill.

Not only did North Carolina absolutely stifle the Lady Tigers’ offensive attack, but put together a very strong offensive effort of their own. Four Tar Heels scored in double-figures, as junior Kennedy Todd-Williams led the way with 20 points and 9 rebounds.

Even though she was limited in minutes as she works back from injury, junior Alyssa Ustby was outstanding in this one. The Rochester, Minnesota native made 9 of her 10 shot attempts while recording her first double-double of the season.

In her first-ever start as a Tar Heel, Eva Hodgson put together a strong performance of her own. While making five of her six shot attempts, the redshirt senior recorded 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists, as she did a little bit of everything in this one.

The debut of true freshman Paulina Paris showed why the Tar Heels are so excited to have her in the fold. Paris scored 13 points, four assists, and three steals in an expanded bench role, as this was just a glimpse of what we can expect from her during her time in Chapel Hill.

One area of concern for the Tar Heels revolves around star Deja Kelly, who suffered an ankle injury during the third quarter. The junior guard did not return, as the lopsided score provided Banghart an opportunity to rest Kelly. It’s uncertain if she would’ve been able to return in a closer contest, but this is something to definitely monitor over the next few days.

With their first victory in the books, the UNC basketball program turns its attention to its upcoming non-conference battle with TCU on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST.

Next. UNC Basketball grinds out opening night victory. dark

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC basketball news, updates, and recruiting.

Home/UNC Basketball