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UNC Women’s Basketball: Alyssa Ustby’s “Flu Game”

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 /
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On Thursday night, UNC women’s basketball standout Alyssa Ustby wasn’t fully healthy but still powered through to lead North Carolina to victory.

We’ve all heard of the famous “Flu Game” from UNC basketball legend Michael Jordan in the 1997 NBA Finals.

On Thursday, we had another example of the “Flu Game,” this time with UNC women’s basketball standout Alyssa Ustby fulfilling the role.

Ustby woke up on Thursday morning under the weather, but fortunately tested negative for both COVID-19 and strep. She even spent time on an IV prior to the game, as her availability was certainly in question throughout the day.

However, the junior forward fought through and played a big role in the Tar Heels’ victory over No. 13-ranked Duke.

In need of a spark, Ustby scored 10 of her 16 points in the third quarter to help the Tar Heels regain the lead. She led North Carolina in a quarter in which they made more baskets than they did in the entire first half of play.

Overall, Ustby finished with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Even under the weather, Ustby did what she normally does, contribute in a variety of ways.

When asked about her health, Ustby told reporters that there was no way she was missing this game against North Carolina’s biggest rival.

"“There was just no option for me missing out on an opportunity to beat Duke and an opportunity to play with my teammates. Definitely my version of a flu game, just trying to get as many assists, steals, being active, just the things that I do every day. And that’s the stuff I’m going to bring whether I had the flu or not.”"

Ustby would not let the illness stop her from competing for her team, as she not only played but put together a strong performance that had a major impact on the game.

Riding a four-game winning streak, the UNC women’s basketball program will once again play at home on Sunday afternoon as they’ll host Georgia Tech.

UNC Women's Basketball: Down go the Blue Devils!. dark. Next

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