Keeping It Heel
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UNC Women’s Basketball hosts Hampton in morning matchup

By Nick Delahanty

Mar 25, 2022; Greensboro, NC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Victaria Saxton (5) battles for position against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Alexandra Zelaya (0) in the third quarter in the Greensboro regional semifinals of the women's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2022; Greensboro, NC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Victaria Saxton (5) battles for position against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Alexandra Zelaya (0) in the third quarter in the Greensboro regional semifinals of the women's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Courtney Banghart and the UNC women’s basketball program will continue non-conference action as they host Hampton on Wednesday morning.

Looks like we’re all going to have to take some time away from work on Wednesday morning to cheer on Courtney Banghart and the UNC women’s basketball program!

North Carolina is set to continue non-conference play on Wednesday morning as they host Hampton at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels enter this game with a 2-0 record, most recently holding off Davidson in a nail-biting finish on Sunday evening. Hampton only has one game under its belt thus far, as they suffered a 30-point loss to Providence on November 7.

Including this game, North Carolina has two home contests remaining before hitting the road to Estero, Florida, for Thanksgiving weekend. Can this game serve as another good experience for the Tar Heels as they prepare for the tough slate of games that await them over the next couple of weeks?

Game Information

UNC Women’s Basketball (2-0) vs. Hampton Lady Pirates (0-1)
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Carmichael Arena, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Tip-off: 11 AM EST
TV: ACCNX

Key to Victory for North Carolina

Hampton only shot 13 three-pointers in their season opener, but that doesn’t mean that the number won’t increase in this contest.

North Carolina struggled to close out on three-point shooters against Davidson, mostly in the second half. This left plenty of open shots for a good-shooting Davidson squad, a factor that played a huge role in their comeback from being down as many as 13 points.

Of course, there are going to be some defensive breakdowns, especially with so many new pieces in place. However, the Tar Heels need to lock in defensively for four quarters, as this is something Banghart definitely preaches to her team on a daily basis.

Something to Watch For

Two things to watch for on Wednesday morning:

First, will Anya Poole be available to play? The senior missed Sunday’s contest, as there weren’t any details revealed regarding her absence.

Second, how does the UNC women’s basketball program bounce back from some really bad free throw struggles down the stretch in the win against Davidson? Some of the team’s best free-throw shooters uncharacteristically missed multiple attempts in the fourth quarter, as it was rather concerning to see, especially in a very close game.

Projected Starters

No. 1 Alyssa Ustby (Sr. 6-1)
No. 5 Maria Gakdeng (Jr. 6-3)
No. 10 Reniya Kelly (Fr. 5-7)
No. 20 Lexi Donarski (Gr. 6-0)
No. 25 Deja Kelly (Sr. 5-8)

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