Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Women’s Basketball finishes regular season at Duke

By Drew Garrett

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 12: Deja Kelly #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts to a call 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: Deja Kelly #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts to a call 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 UNC Women’s Basketball team closes out their 2022-23 regular season against their biggest rival, the Duke Blue Devils.

After a long regular season, the UNC Women’s Basketball team plays their final game this Sunday. However, it won’t be easy, as they travel to face their crosstown rival, Duke.

Following the heartbreaking defeat last Thursday, the Tar Heels will be determined to get a win against the Blue Devils. A win would help the team receive a higher seed in the conference tournament next weekend and will give the team a big boost of momentum.

Duke will make it difficult for UNC. A win for the Blue Devils will secure a conference championship and the No. 1 seed in the ACC tournament.

If the Tar Heels want to spoil Duke’s championship hopes, here is what they will need to do.

Key To Victory

To beat the Blue Devils for the second time this season, North Carolina needs to set the tone early in this one and play at their own pace.

In the last meeting with Duke, the Tar Heels did just that. After a strong 3rd quarter, UNC was able to close out Duke in the fourth quarter, winning 61-56.

Attaining a lead early will be crucial for North Carolina. They can not afford to play from behind, especially in a rough environment like Cameron Indoor. A lead early quiets the crowd and makes the environment much more manageable.

The Tar Heels should continue to feed Deja Kelly as well. Kelly has played excellent basketball as of late and shows no signs of slowing down.

If UNC can do all of this Sunday night, they will be in a great position to pick up a strong road win against the Blue Devils.

Something to Watch

As the regular season comes to a close, it’s time we look ahead to the ACC tournament.

North Carolina currently resides as the No. 6 seed, and due to the loss against Virginia Tech, UNC will not be able to reach a seed higher than the one they have now.

However, a loss will hurt the Tar Heels.

A UNC loss and a Miami win would mean the Tar Heels would become the No. 7 seed in the tournament.

While it may seem insignificant, a top-6 seed will be crucial for North Carolina, as it will make their path to a potential ACC tournament championship much easier.

This will be something to monitor, as both UNC and Miami play Sunday afternoon.

Last Meeting

In the last meeting between these two historic rivals, North Carolina defeated Duke, 61-56, in a fantastic game.

It was a strong battle for all four quarters. Duke’s Shayeann Day-Wilson was phenomenal, scoring 24 points for the Blue Devils.

However, UNC’s Deja Kelly was impressive as well, scoring 19 points and the 4th quarter dagger that sealed North Carolina’s victory.

The Tar Heels January win gave them the upper hand in the all-time series, as they now lead 52-51.

Projected Starting Lineup

F-Anya Poole

G-Kennedy Todd- Williams

F-Alyssa Ustby

G-Deja Kelly

G-Eva Hodgson

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