"Tar Heel of the Game" for the UNC women's basketball program's win over NC Central

I think we can all agree that it was extremely nice having this player back in the lineup!
Mar 22, 2024; Columbia, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Maria Gakdeng (5) looks to score against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Mar 22, 2024; Columbia, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Maria Gakdeng (5) looks to score against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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The UNC women's basketball program absolutely dominated NC Central on Friday afternoon.

In a game that was expected to be a blowout in favor of the Tar Heels, North Carolina received production from every player that took the floor. In fact, every Tar Heel had at least five points, as there was enough scoring to go around.

Sure, Alyssa Ustby had another dominant double-double performance, but our Tar Heel of the Game is a player that we are pumped to have back in the lineup.

Maria Gakdeng

After missing the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament due to injury, Maria Gakdeng returned to the starting lineup for the Tar Heels' first game back from their trip. Gakdeng needed just one half to record a double-double, her first of the season and her eighth of her career.

While the likes of Blanca Thomas and Ciera Toomey stepped up in her absence, Gakdeng is an essential piece for this UNC women's basketball team. If Gakdeng can stay healthy, the Tar Heels have plenty of frontcourt depth to work with, an area that can cause matchup problems for opposing teams.

Tar Heel of the Game Recipients (2024-2025 Season)

Charleston Southern: Trayanna Crisp (1) and Blanca Thomas (1)
UNC Wilmington: Lexi Donarski (1)
North Carolina A&T: Laila Hull (1)
UConn: Indya Nivar (1)
Ball State (Battle 4 Atlantis Opener): Lanie Grant (1)
Villanova (Battle 4 Atlantis Quarterfinals): Alyssa Ustby (1)
Indiana (Battle 4 Atlantis Championship): Trayanna Crisp (2)
NC Central- Maria Gakdeng (1)