UNC Women’s Basketball set to face Louisville
By Drew Garrett
The scorching-hot UNC Women’s Basketball team is set to take on the Louisville Cardinals in a big-time ACC matchup.
This Sunday, the UNC Women’s basketball team has an opportunity to continue its win streak. The Tar Heels are on the road, as they are set to face the Louisville Cardinals.
After a trip to the Final Four last year, the Cardinals have struggled this year. Louisville is 16-8, with losses to Middle Tennessee State and South Dakota State. However, at times they have shown great flashes, and have played like a top team in the country.
Despite this, North Carolina should be the favorite.
The Tar Heels continue to look unstoppable. It is going to take an elite performance to end UNC’s eight-game win streak.
To win their ninth straight Sunday, here is what North Carolina will need to do.
Key to Victory
The Cardinals will be a tough opponent.
They are led by Junior guard Hailey Van Lith. Van Lith is the heart and soul of this team, as she is the leader in almost every major state.
North Carolina should look to keep the ball out of her hands. This will throw the rest of the team off their game and put them in an uncomfortable situation.
NC State and Wake Forest took this same approach in their game against Louisville, and it paid off. Both teams walked away with double-digit wins.
If UNC can do this, while also continuing their success offensively, they will be in a position to pick up a strong road win.
Something to Watch
On Thursday, Kayla McPherson showed out in her home debut against the Virginia Cavaliers. McPherson finished with 14 points and 4 assists, both team highs.
Her story makes this performance even more special. In her time with the Tar Heels, McPherson has been very unlucky with injuries. She missed her entire freshman year with a knee injury and the start of this season with a lower-body injury.
With Ava Hodgson likely out again Sunday, Kayla McPherson will have yet another opportunity to showcase her talent.
When watching tomorrow, it is worth keeping an eye on how she performs. Her level of play could again be crucial in a North Carolina win.
Last Meeting
In the last meeting between these two programs, the Tar Heels defeated the Cardinals, 65-66.
Kennedy Todd-Williams was great in this one scoring 19 points. Deja Kelly was not far behind as she finished with 18.
This game was back and forth, as there were 13 lead changes. However, the Tar Heels were able to secure a lead late in the fourth quarter, where they closed it out.
Despite the win, Louisville still leads the all-time series, 8-3.
Projected Starting Lineup
F-Anya Poole
G-Kennedy Todd- Williams
F-Alyssa Ustby
G-Deja Kelly
G-Paulina Paris