Make sure you get a nap in on Thursday at some point: we have some big-time late night college basketball action to watch!
After a heartbreaking loss to Florida State on Sunday afternoon, the UNC women's basketball program looks to rebound as they head to the west coast to take on the California Golden Bears.
It's fitting that the first conference matchup between the two teams comes when both are ranked within the AP Top 25. This game is crucial for both sides, as it not only could serve as a strong NCAA Tournament resume-builder but also will factor into the conference standings heading into postseason play.
The Tar Heels know how tough the ACC is and just how strong their conference schedule is. While the loss to the Seminoles stings, North Carolina can't dwell on it as they look to get back on track to kick-off a three-game road trip.
2024-2025 Season
North Carolina Tar Heels
Overall record: 18-4
Conference Record: 6-3
Home Record: 10-3
Away Record: 4-0
Neutral Site Record: 4-1
California Golden Bears
Overall record: 18-3
Conference Record: 6-2
Home Record: 11-0
Away Record: 6-2
Neutral Site Record: 1-1
Key Players
North Carolina
Alyssa Ustby (Gr. Guard/Forward) – 11.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Maria Gakdeng (Sr. Forward/Center) – 11.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
Lexi Donarski (Gr. Guard) – 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists
California
Ioanna Krimili (Sr. Guard) – 15.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists
Lulu Twidale (So. Guard) – 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Marta Suarez (Sr. Forward) – 13.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Keys to Victory for North Carolina
Don't waste good opportunities.
Against the Seminoles, the UNC women's basketball program struggled a bit to finish at the rim. Indya Nivar missed a handful of layups and Blanca Thomas also had a brutal miss down the stretch that could have easily changed the perplexion of the game.
And don't forget missed free throws as well!
North Carolina simply has to capitalize on their opportunities, especially those that come within the paint. Simply put: those missed opportunities often come back to haunt you, as it did on Sunday afternoon at Carmichael Arena.
Something to Watch for
There's no place like home, especially for California.
The Golden Bears come in with a perfect 11-0 record at home, taking full advantage of playing in front of the home crowd.
For North Carolina, the trip to the west coast isn't an easy one by any means, given the five-plus hour flight along with the time difference. However, North Carolina must do everything they can to be ready to go from the jump as they hope to be the first opponent to beat the Golden Bears on their home court this season.
Projected Starters
No. 1 Alyssa Ustby (Gr. 6'1)
No. 5 Maria Gakdeng (Sr. 6'3)
No. 10 Reniya Kelly (So. 5'7)
No. 20 Lexi Donarski (Gr. 6'0)
No. 24 Indya Nivar (Jr. 5'10)