Alyssa Ustby makes UNC women's basketball history
The UNC women's basketball program has had some outstanding players throughout its history.
On Thursday night, Alyssa Ustby accomplished something that no other UNC women's basketball player has ever done before.
𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄!@alyssaustby has the first triple-double in program history 🤩#GoHeels | #InPursuit pic.twitter.com/gaBEJUk8EH
— Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) January 5, 2024
Ustby is the first UNC women's basketball player to ever record a triple-double. The senior from Rochester, Minnesota native secured her triple-double with a made free throw with one minute and 17 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
It all started with Ustby's passing ability, as she did a tremendous job of facilitating the basketball, especially in the post to teammate Maria Gakdeng. It continued with Ustby's elite rebounding skills, as she showcased her ability to simply be a vaccum on the glass.
It was capped off by her scoring, as she was able to reach the double-digit scoring mark to make history happen.
What an accomplishment for Ustby, as she now stands alone as the only UNC women's basketball player to EVER accomplish this feat. To make it even more impressive, she only needed three quarters to accomplish it!
Let's also remember: this wasn't a stat-padding type of game against a lesser opponent. Ustby rose to the occasion against a top-25 opponent who had been red hot coming into this game.
Not only is she the first UNC women's basketball player to accomplish the feat, but becomes just the third Tar Heel ever to do so. Jason Capel and Brendan Haywood recorded triple-doubles in 2000 (two games apart), as the list of triple-doubles is very short for the UNC basketball programs!
Alyssa Ustby doesn't get the credit she deserves. She's not only been a tremendous asset to the UNC women's basketball program, but should be considered among the best players in college basketball.
Congratulations Alyssa Ustby, you now are the ONLY PLAYER in UNC women's basketball history to record a triple-double!
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