UNC Women’s Basketball suffers heartbreaking senior night loss

The UNC women’s basketball program’s final home game of the season did not go as planned, as they lost a heartbreaker to No. 9 Virginia Tech.

So close.

That’s the story of the night for the UNC women’s basketball program, as they suffered a heartbreaking loss in their final home game of the 2022-2023 regular season.

Similar to the last meeting between the two teams, the game came down to the final seconds. Once again, the game ended in the Hokies’ favor, this time thanks in large part to a clutch shot from reigning ACC Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley.

Before we get to that, there’s plenty to discuss from this game. For starters, it was the Tar Heels senior night, as three members of the UNC women’s basketball program were being honored.

Earlier in the week, we found out that Alyssa Ustby would return to action after missing five games. About an hour before tip-off, we also received word that Eva Hodgson would return for her senior night after missing eight games.

For the first time all season, the UNC women’s basketball program was fortunate enough to be at full strength, just in time for postseason play.

In the first half, Deja Kelly and Kennedy Todd-Williams really set the tempo for the Tar Heels. The duo combined for 21 of the Tar Heels’ 32 first-half points, as they held a four-point lead heading into the break.

It’s important to note that Virginia Tech missed its first 9 shots, but fought back to take a brief lead before the Tar Heels regained it prior to the half.

The third quarter was where things started to heat up, as the Hokies battled back to take the lead. North Carolina struggled offensively for a good stretch of the quarter, but heated up near the end of it, as it was capped off by a buzzer-beater layup from Kayla McPherson.

The fourth quarter was very competitive, as the two sides continued to battle. In total, we saw 9 lead changes and seven ties, which goes to show how back-and-forth this contest began.

Down the stretch, both teams hit some crucial shots, as a McPherson three followed by a Kelly mid-range jumper gave the Tar Heels the lead once again.

Virginia Tech would respond with a bucket of their own, regaining a one-point lead with less than 15 seconds remaining. Ustby would be fouled on the ensuing drive, as she knocked down one of two free throws to tie the game.

After calling a timeout, the Hokies were able to find their star player wide-open for what would end up being a game-winning buzzer-beater to end the Tar Heels’ hopes of securing an upset victory.

Of course, we all wish the game went in the Tar Heels’ favor. However, there are some positive takeaways from this one.

For starters, the Tar Heels are healthy! (Knock on wood!)

Ustby and Hodgson definitely had some rust (which was obviously expected), but it’s great to see this group finally being able to have everyone available at once.

Todd-Williams slowed down a bit offensively in the second half but still put together a strong performance.

If you didn’t already know, Deja Kelly is a star who certainly isn’t afraid of the big moment. Playing all 40 minutes, Kelly scored 18 points, dished out six assists, and recorded four rebounds, as she got it done on both ends of the floor, especially when her team needed it the most.

Although this is a tough loss, there are plenty of positive takeaways from this one. The UNC women’s basketball program will have a chance to redeem the loss in their final regular season contest on Sunday as they make the short trip to take on the Duke Blue Devils.

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