Keeping It Heel
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UNC Women’s Basketball looks to bounce-back vs. Wake Forest

By Drew Garrett

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 12: Head coach Courtney Banghart of the North Carolina Tar Heels talks to Kennedy Todd-Williams #3 during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on January 12, 2023 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 12: Head coach Courtney Banghart of the North Carolina Tar Heels talks to Kennedy Todd-Williams #3 during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on January 12, 2023 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The No. 19 UNC Women’s Basketball returns to the floor Sunday, when they host their ACC rival, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

After a grueling battle at NC State, the UNC women’s basketball program is back in action. This Sunday, they are set to host Wake Forest.

The Demon Deacons have had a rough finish to their 2022-2023 season.

Entering ACC play, Wake Forest held a 9-2 record with some solid victories. However, after struggles against conference opponents, the Demon Deacons are 14-12.

This game will be important for both teams. For Wake, they are trying to find some momentum to save their season. For North Carolina, they look to get a win as they look towards post-season play.

If North Carolina wants to bounce back Sunday, here is what they will need to do.

Key To Victory

North Carolina will need to have a strong offensive performance. Wake Forest is excellent defensively, as they regularly hold their opponents under their season average.

UNC can combat this issue in two ways.

First, the Tar Heels need to outrebound the Demon Deacons. By doing this, they are giving themselves more possessions and opportunities offensively.

Next, UNC needs to take advantage of fast-break opportunities. These open looks could very well be the difference between winning and losing.

North Carolina has had a great offense all year. If they can do what they have been doing, they will set themselves up for a victory Sunday.

Something To Watch

After a grueling overtime loss Thursday, it will be worth keeping an eye on how this team looks physically.

The quick turnaround is far from ideal for this team, and there is a possibility it could hurt them in Sunday’s contest.

This could mean we see less action from our star players and a deeper rotation from Courtney Banghart.

While nothing major has been announced yet, this is something to monitor before and during the contest against Wake Forest.

Last Meeting

The Tar Heels dominated in the last meeting between these two programs.

On February 3, 2022, UNC picked up a big road win over Wake Forest, by a score of 78-59. Alyssa Ustby was fantastic in this one, as she finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

This win helped extend North Carolina’s record against Wake Forest to 65-18.

Projected Starting Lineup

F- Anya Poole

F- Alexandra Zelaya

G- Kayla McPherson

G- Deja Kelly

G- Kennedy Todd-Williams

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