UNC Women's Basketball battles but comes up short against Florida State
At one point, it looked like the UNC women's basketball program was going to suffer a blowout loss to No. 21-ranked Florida State.
However, although they didn't win the game, the Tar Heels wouldn't go away easily, as they fought back to as close as three points.
62. 441. FSU UNC WBB. 70. 435. Final
The difference in this game came beyond-the-arc and at the charity stripe.
Florida State drained 10 three-point field goals and connected on 16 of 18 free throw attempts, while North Carolina made just three of 15 three-pointers and connected on seven of 13 free throw tries.
Those are two areas that have hurt the Tar Heels this season, and they came back to haunt them in this one as well.
Deja Kelly was back on her game, scoring a team-high 23 points before fouling out with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. She was essentially the Tar Heels lone scoring threat, as Indya Nivar was the only other UNC women's basketball player in double figures.
The Tar Heels aren't going to win many games when Alyssa Ustby and Lexi Donarski struggle, as the duo combined for a total of just 9 points on 4-22 shooting.
Florida State was led by Sara Bejedi who scored 23 points while draining five of her 9 three-point field goal attempts. Even with star player Ta'Niya Latson (3-15 for eight points) struggling, the Seminoles found a way get the job done offensively.
If you're looking at this from a UNC women's basketball perspective, the loss is one that is disappointing for sure. However, you have to give this group credit for battling, as they could've easily folded when they went down by 21 points.
Especially with Kelly fouling out with five minutes remaining, the Tar Heels still continued to crawl back into the game. This goes as a loss in the record column, but it's an experience that should help the Tar Heels as they continue in ACC play.
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