UNC Women’s Basketball: Alyssa Ustby sidelined due to injury
After missing Sunday’s game against Louisville, how long will the UNC women’s basketball program be without junior Alyssa Ustby?
The UNC women’s basketball program was short-handed in their loss at Louisville on Sunday.
Not only were the Tar Heels without Eva Hodgson, who is expected to miss an extended period of time, but were also without junior standout Alyssa Ustby.
The Rochester, Minnesota native did not make the trip to Louisville, as her injury was described as a lower-body injury. Her absence was certainly noticeable, as the Tar Heels missed her rebounding skills as well as the presence she makes regularly in the post.
As North Carolina has a few days off before its contest at Syracuse on Thursday night, Ustby’s status will be something to keep a close eye on as the week goes on.
According to head coach Courtney Banghart, there is no timetable for her return, as there hasn’t been much information released regarding the injury. The hope is that the injury won’t sideline her for long, as her streak of 78 straight appearances (and 71 consecutive starts) ended on Sunday afternoon.
Ustby, a top 10 finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award, currently averaging 13.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. She has not only been one of the best players in the ACC but ranks among the best at her position in the entire country.
As the home stretch of the regular season is upon us, the key for the UNC women’s basketball program will be to get healthy before postseason play. We’ll have to wait and see just how significant this injury is, and hope that it doesn’t sideline a vital piece to the Tar Heels lineup for an extended period of time.
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