Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Women’s Basketball ready to battle Virginia at home

By Drew Garrett

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: Paulina Paris #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels brings the ball up the court while defended by Henna Sandvik #21 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on December 01, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: Paulina Paris #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels brings the ball up the court while defended by Henna Sandvik #21 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on December 01, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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After back-to-back road games, the UNC Women’s Basketball team returned home Thursday night to take on the Virginia Cavaliers.

Finally, the second half of ACC play.

After a disappointing start, the Tar Heels bounced back and are in the midst of a seven-game win streak.

As UNC looks to continue its success, it’ll have to once again knock off Virginia.

The Cavaliers have struggled since the last meeting between these two programs. At 14-8, is looking for its first win since early January.

However, it won’t be easy against this red-hot North Carolina squad.

When these teams face off tomorrow night, here is what UNC will need to do if they want to secure their eighth straight.

Key to Victory

The Tar Heels need to strike first tomorrow night.

In their last matchup, North Carolina was trailing Virginia up until the third quarter. If it was not for a dominant fourth quarter, UNC would have lost.

Things should be different this time around. Playing on their home floor should give the Tar Heels a boost early. If UNC can take control early, they will be in good shape.

North Carolina should also look to keep Virginia off the glass. The Cavaliers dominated the rebound battle last month.

If the Tar Heels can do all of this, they may be looking at their eighth straight win.

Something to Watch

With all signs pointing to Eva Hodgson missing her third straight game, it looks like Paulina Paris will get the start.

Paris was fantastic on her last outing. The freshman guard had a career-high in points (22) and steals (5).

Against Virginia, she will have a similar role.

Don’t be surprised if Paris leads the team in scoring, or if she heavily contributes to a win.

Last Meeting

These last two teams met six games ago. On January 13, 2023, the Tar Heels traveled to Charlottesville, VA to take on the Cavaliers.

After coming off a big win against No. 4 Notre Dame, North Carolina got off to a slow start.

Heading into the fourth quarter, Virginia led UNC 51-42.

However, the Tar Heels turned it up late and finished strong. North Carolina outscored Virginia by 20 to secure a 70-59 victory. Kennedy Todd-Williams led the game with 21 points.

The win helped UNC improve to 11-5, while UVA fell to 13-4.

Projected Starting Lineup

F-Anya Poole

G-Kennedy Todd- Williams

F-Alyssa Ustby

G-Deja Kelly

G-Paulina Paris

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