UNC Women's Basketball hits the road for first away game of the 2024-2025 season

The UNC women's basketball program looks to continue its early season success as they hit the road to take on North Carolina A&T on Tuesday night in Greensboro.

North Carolina is set to begin a road trip that will keep them playing away from Chapel Hill until November 29. Before they return home, the Tar Heels have a big-time matchup with No. 2-ranked UConn on Friday night in Greensboro before they head to Paradise Island for the Battle 4 Atlantis event.

Before we get to that point, let's focus on the Aggies.

2024-2025 Season

North Carolina Tar Heels

Overall Record: 2-0
Conference Record: 0-0
Home Record: 2-0
Away Record: 0-0
Neutral Site Record: 0-0

North Carolina A&T Aggies

Overall Record: 0-2
Conference Record: 0-0
Home Record: 0-0
Away Record: 0-2
Neutral Site Record: 0-0

Key Players (with 2024-2025 stats)

North Carolina

Alyssa Ustby (Gr. Forward)- 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Lexi Donarski (Gr. Guard)- 14.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals
Reniya Kelly (So. Guard)- 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals

UNC Wilmington

Jordyn Dorsey (Sr. Guard)- 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists
Maleia Bracone (Sr. Guard)- 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists
Ajia James (Sr. Forward)- 9.0 points, 1.0 rebounds

Keys to Victory for North Carolina

The first road game of the year is always one to keep an eye on. While playing away from your comfort zone, it remains to be seem how a team will respond when they are playing elsewhere.

For this group, this is a great test before Friday night.

To get to Friday night, you need to take care of business out of the gate on Tuesday night. Never overlook anyone!

For this game, it's important to get Alyssa Ustby going. After struggling offensively against UNC Wilmington, look for Courtney Banghart and crew to get Ustby going early and often.

Something to Watch For

Maria Gakdeng did not play in the second half vs. UNC Wilmington, as it appears she might have suffered an injury. If Gakdeng isn't available, how will the minutes at the center position shape up?

Banghart could elect to start either Ciera Toomey or Blanca Thomas, both of whom would be making their first collegiate start. The hope is that Gakdeng can go for this one, but if she can't, the Tar Heels should get a good glimpse of their future at the forward position as they mix and match in Gakdeng's potential absence.

Projected Starters

No. 1 Alyssa Ustby (Gr. 6'1)
No. 2 Grace Townsend (Gr. 5'5)
No. 5 Maria Gakdeng (Sr. 6'3)
No. 10 Reniya Kelly (So. 5'7)
No. 20 Lexi Donarski (Gr. 6'0)