UNC Women’s Basketball looks to secure PKI Championship

The Tar Heels face yet another top-25 opponent in Iowa State as they look to finish first place in the Phil Knight Invitational tournament.

After picking up a major win over Oregon, North Carolina faces an even tougher test.

The UNC women’s basketball program will face off against the No. 5 ranked Iowa State Cyclones in the championship of the Phil Knight Invitational on Sunday night.

In their last outing, the Tar Heels fought back from a halftime deficit to defeat the Oregon Ducks. Eva Hodgson finished with a game-high 21 points, including a big three late in the fourth quarter that give North Carolina the lead.

In their semifinal contest, Iowa State throttled the undefeated Michigan State Spartans. The Cyclones jumped to a 20-point lead at halftime and defeated the Spartans 80-49.

While it is still early in the season, a win here would be huge, and it would solidify the Tar Heels being a serious contender for a national title.

It won’t be easy, but here is what UNC will have to do to secure a win tomorrow night.

Key to Victory

Iowa State is loaded offensively.

The Cyclones as a team are shooting 35.1% from three on almost 30 attempts each game. Ashley Joens, the teams leading scorer, hits 39.5% of her shots beyond the arc.

Their success from deep is a big reason why Iowa State averages 86.6 points per contest. So far this season, the Cyclones have yet to struggle on offense.

However, they have looked shaky on the defensive side of the ball.

They performed well against Michigan State, only giving up 49 points, but it was a different story against Northern Iowa and Columbia.

The Cyclones barely snuck by Northern Iowa, as they gave up 85 points, and let up 76 against Columbia.

If North Carolina can score at a high-level Sunday night, and at least slowdown Iowa State’s offense, they will have a chance to leave Portland with a win.

Something to watch

In their last two games, the Tar Heels have gotten off to a slow start and entered halftime down to their opponent.

This Sunday, it will be interesting to see how North Carolina comes out against Iowa State.

For the first time all season, North Carolina is the underdog. Perhaps this motivates the Tar Heels to come out with a chip on their shoulder and impacts their start.

Going up early would be huge for North Carolina and it could catch Iowa State by surprise and throw them off their game.

Last meeting

This is the first matchup between these two programs since 2000.

While the all-time series is tied at 1-1, Iowa State came out with a win in the last meeting.

On January 23, 2000, the Cyclones pulled out with a 79-67 victory over the Tar Heels.

What you need to know

What? North Carolina Tar Heels (5-0) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (5-0)

When? Sunday, November 27, 2022

Where? Moda Center, Portland, Oregon

TV? ESPN 2

Radio? Tar Heel Radio Network

Last Meeting? Iowa State defeated North Carolina 79-67 on January 23, 2000

Prediction? UNC 84, Iowa State 81