UNC Women’s Basketball vs. James Madison: Preview

Not only will the UNC men’s basketball team play James Madison, but the UNC women’s basketball team will also square off against the Dukes this afternoon.

Following a very dominant win last Wednesday, the UNC women’s basketball program is back in action Sunday when they take on James Madison.

This is the last game for the Heels before they head off to the Phil Knight Invitational next week.

Although this game won’t be a cakewalk, UNC will look to stay perfect and improve to 4-0.

Key to victory

Despite losing in their season-opener, JMU has had a solid bounce back and could potentially cause problems for the Tar Heels.

JMU is dominant offensively. The Dukes average 77 points in each game and shoot 36% from deep. JMU’s best player, Kiki Jefferson, has been on a tear recently putting up 23 points and 8 rebounds in each outing.

Slowing down the Duke’s offense should be the number one priority for North Carolina. In JMU’s only loss this season, they scored a season-low 58 points.

North Carolina should look to win the rebound battle as well. James Madison is exceptional on the boards, averaging 46 nightly.

Although this is the toughest team North Carolina has faced this season, the Tar Heels are the better team in this one and should come away with a victory.

Something to watch

In UNC’s last game against South Carolina State, Guard Deja Kelly was not on the floor as she was nursing an ankle injury.

While her status is unknown, Kelly could potentially make her return Sunday vs. James Madison.

The preseason All-ACC team member is crucial for the Tar Heels this season. Last season, Kelly averaged 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

Despite if she plays, it is assumed that Deja Kelly will take the floor Thursday night vs. No. 21 Oregon at the Phil Knight Invitational.

Last matchup

In their last matchup, UNC dominated JMU, winning by a score of 93-47.

Deja Kelly led all scorers with 21 points, and Alyssa Ustby added 18 as well.

However, the story from this game was the poor shooting performance from James Madison. The Dukes shot an abysmal 4% from three, and 27.9% from the field.

North Carolina improved to an 8-0 start, while James Madison fell to 3-5.

Projected Starting Lineup

Deja Kelly

Kennedy Todd-Williams

Alyssa Ustby

Anya Poole

Eva Hodgson

What you need to know

What? North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) vs. James Madison Dukes (3-1)

When? Sunday, November 20, 2022, 2:00 P.M. EST

Where? Atlantic Union Bank Center, Harrisonburg, Virginia

TV? ESPN+

Radio? Tar Heel Radio Network

Last Meeting? UNC defeated JMU, 93-47 on December 5, 2021, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Prediction? UNC 87, JMU 71

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