Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Women’s Basketball looks to get big road win vs. Miami

By Drew Garrett

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Alyssa Ustby #1 of the North Carolina Tar Heels is seen during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Phil Knight Invitational Tournament Womens Championship at Moda Center on November 27, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Alyssa Ustby #1 of the North Carolina Tar Heels is seen during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Phil Knight Invitational Tournament Womens Championship at Moda Center on November 27, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Hungry for a win, the No. 22 ranked UNC women’s basketball program looks to get a big road win against the Miami Hurricanes. 

The 2023 calendar year did not start the way the UNC women’s basketball program wanted it to.

The Tar Heels lost their third straight game Sunday to No. 7 Virginia Tech.

Both teams traded shots all night and we saw many lead changes. However, the Hokies took the lead in the final minute and held on for a 68-65 win.

Now 0-2 in ACC play, UNC has their focus set on Miami.

The Hurricanes have had an interesting 2022-2023 season. While they have had good showings against some of the nation’s top teams, they have also struggled against mediocre opponents.

Regardless of what Miami team we see Thursday, North Carolina will certainly bring their A game, as they hope to get a win before heading back to Chapel Hill.

To defeat the Hurricanes, here is what UNC will need to do.

Key To Victory

When Miami plays well, the turnover battle is often in their favor.

In their battle against No. 5 Notre Dame, the Hurricanes forced 22 turnovers and only committed 13.

Taking care of the basketball and getting high-quality shots will be crucial for North Carolina. This will take away a big piece of Miami’s game plan and will help UNC maintain and extend its lead.

Miami also loves to shoot the ball.

In 14 games, the Hurricanes have taken nearly 300 three-pointers, averaging out at almost 21 attempts per game.

Guard Hailey Cavinder is the team’s top shooter, shooting 42.9% from deep.

If this team gets hot, things can get ugly for North Carolina. The Tar Heels are going to have to force tough shots and close out hard on this Hurricanes squad.

Something To Watch

It has been almost three weeks since the last North Carolina win.

UNC has had three straight heartbreakers against Michigan, Florida State, and Virginia Tech. Hungry for a win, it will be interesting to see how this squad comes out against Miami.

We could see a much more aggressive UNC team, one that is determined to get back in the win column.

The Tar Heels are still searching for their first ACC win of the season. If they’re on the same page tomorrow night, we may be in for a dominant North Carolina victory.

Last Meeting

In their last meeting, it was all North Carolina.

On February 6, 2022, UNC jumped to a 28-2 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The Tar Heels won by a score of 85-38.

Everyone seemed to have a great game for the Tar Heels. Deja Kelly led all scorers with 18, while Kennedy Todd-Williams, Alyssa Ustby, and Anya Poole all finished in double figures.

This win helped UNC improve to 18-4 and 8-4 in conference play.

Projected Starting Lineup

F-Anya Poole

G-Kennedy Todd- Williams

F-Alyssa Ustby

G-Deja Kelly

G-Eva Hodgson

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