UNC Women’s Basketball finds a way to defeat Vermont
It wasn’t pretty, but Courtney Banghart and the UNC women’s basketball program found a way to defeat Vermont in the Gulf Coast Showcase opener.
Well, we definitely learned something about this UNC women’s basketball team on Friday afternoon.
Not much was going in the Tar Heels’ favor, but that didn’t stop this group from competing, as they found a way to squeeze out a 54-51 over Vermont in the opening round of the Gulf Coast Showcase.
The Tar Heels had a bit of a different look in the first half, as Lexi Donarski was on the bench for the first two quarters. Her absence was felt as North Carolina struggled.
In fact, the UNC women’s basketball program made just 8 of 33 first-half shots while missing all nine three-point attempts and six of seven free-throw chances.
YIKES!
Donarski, who had an ankle injury occur on Thursday during practice, was suited up, but Banghart hoped she wouldn’t have to use her standout transfer.
However, the Tar Heels needed her, and she stepped up to the occasion.
Trailing by as much as 13 in the second half, the Tar Heels sparked together a comeback, outscoring the Catamounts 24-12 over the final ten minutes of action.
An Alyssa Ustby (15 points, ten rebounds) and-one cut the Vermont lead to one, and Kayla McPherson followed it up with an and-one of her own to take the lead.
From that point, the Tar Heels took control of the game.
Deja Kelly was outstanding, scoring 18 points while hauling in 10 boards for a double-double performance. She made some clutch shots down the stretch, and her offensive rebound on her own missed free throw proved to be the dagger.
Was it pretty? No.
Will we take it? HEEL YEAH!
The UNC women’s basketball program advances to the semi-finals, as they’ll take on No. 16 Kansas State at 5:00 PM EST.
Next. UNC Basketball pulls away to defeat No. 20 Arkansas. dark
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