Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Women’s Basketball takes on Clemson in ACC tournament

By Drew Garrett

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 26: Deja Kelly #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels puts up a shot during the first half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 26, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 26: Deja Kelly #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels puts up a shot during the first half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 26, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The No. 7-ranked UNC Women’s Basketball team kicks off their ACC postseason play against the No. 10 Clemson Tigers Thursday night.

After a long regular season, the UNC women’s basketball team will make its ACC tournament debut. Their opponent will be none other than the Clemson Tigers.

The Tigers, who finished 10th in the ACC, have had an up-and-down year. At times they have outplayed and beaten some of the nation’s best. However, to continue their 2022-2023 season, they will have to win out and secure an ACC tournament championship.

This won’t be easy, especially when they face North Carolina.

The Tar Heels have their eyes set on an ACC championship, and a higher seed in the national tournament. They will certainly be ready to play.

Both teams will bring their best to Greensboro Thursday night. If UNC wants to beat the Clemson Tigers and advance, here is what they will need to do.

Key To Victory

To advance to the next round, the Tar Heels must get off to a strong start and limit turnovers.

Getting off to a strong start will give UNC a significant advantage. They will be able to control the speed of the game and play to their comfort.

In the last game against the Tigers, North Carolina did just that. However, turnovers plagued the Tar Heels in the second half, and they momentarily lost the lead.

If UNC can get off to a strong start again, while limiting their own mistakes, they should do just fine in this one.

Something To Watch

In the last meeting between these two programs, Paulina Paris stepped up for the Tar Heels. Paris finished with 22 points and 5 steals, as her career night helped North Carolina secure the win.

In this meeting against Clemson, it is worth keeping an eye on Paris.

While she has not had quite the impact she had in previous games, Paris could very well be called upon in this one.

When Paris steps on the floor tomorrow night, she may step up in a huge way to give this UNC team a second win over Clemson.

Last Meeting

These two programs last met earlier this year in January.

North Carolina cruised to their seventh-straight win, as they defeated Clemson, 69-58.

As stated earlier, Paulina Paris was dominant in this one, posting a game-high 22 points and 5 steals. Kennedy Todd-Williams closely followed Paris with 15 points of her own.

The win continued the UNC women’s basketball program’s historic success over Clemson, as they lead the all-time series, 60-28.

Projected Starting Lineup

F-Anya Poole

G-Kennedy Todd- Williams

F-Alyssa Ustby

G-Deja Kelly

G-Eva Hodgson

Home/UNC Womens Basketball