Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Women’s Basketball looks to complete sweep over Duke

By Drew Garrett

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 02: Kennedy Todd-Williams #3 and Kayla McPherson #14 of the North Carolina Tar Heels react during the first half of their game against the Clemson Tigers in the second round of the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 02, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 02: Kennedy Todd-Williams #3 and Kayla McPherson #14 of the North Carolina Tar Heels react during the first half of their game against the Clemson Tigers in the second round of the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 02, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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UNC Women’s Basketball is set to face the Duke Blue Devils for the second time in a week, as they look to advance to the next round of the ACC tournament.

UNC Women’s basketball is once again set to face a familiar opponent. After defeating the Blue Devils last Sunday, the Tar Heels will take on their crosstown rival for the third time this year.

Despite a strong regular season from Duke, North Carolina was victorious in both meetings. First, UNC defended their home floor, behind a strong performance from Deja Kelly. In game two, the Tar Heels ruined Duke’s senior night and ACC regular season championship hopes in a strong defensive battle.

If North Carolina wants to make it three straight and complete their season sweep over Duke, here is what they will need to do.

Key to Victory

To continue their dominance over the Blue Devils, the Tar Heels need to continue their excellence on the defensive side of the ball.

Although Duke has a very strong offense, they were shut down by North Carolina in both meetings this season.

In the first matchup, the Tar Heels were in control for the majority of the game and held Duke to only 56 points. In the second matchup, the Blue Devils were only able to score 41 points in their home gym.

If they want to beat Duke for a third straight time, they will need to perform as they did in these games.

Something to Watch

After a big win Thursday night, it will be interesting to see how this team comes out tomorrow night.

Playing on back-to-back nights may cause problems for North Carolina, especially when their opponent has had almost a week off.

In the game, tomorrow, don’t be surprised if the Tar Heels use their bench a bit more than usual. Depth will be very important not only in this game but also in potential games on Saturday and Sunday.

Last Meeting

It was a defensive battle in the last meeting between these two teams.

In a sold-out Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Tar Heels fought back in the fourth quarter and defeated the Blue Devils, 45-41.

The trio of Deja Kelly, Alyssa Ustby, and Kennedy Todd-Williams each posted 9 points in the win.

North Carolina now has a strong hold on the competitive all-time series record, as they now lead 53-51.

Projected Starting Lineup

F-Anya Poole

G-Kennedy Todd- Williams

F-Alyssa Ustby

G-Deja Kelly

G-Eva Hodgson

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