UNC Women's Basketball program defeats North Carolina Central

Following their impressive showing at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, the UNC women's basketball returned home and put together another strong showing, defeating North Carolina Central in blowout fashion.

Now, before you say anything: yes, North Carolina was expected to dominate the 0-8 (now 0-9) Eagles. However, nothing in sports is guaranteed, as the Tar Heels went on and did what they had to do.

The Tar Heels scored 65 points over the first 20 minutes, marking the program record for most points tallied in a half during the Courtney Banghart era. Maria Gakdeng, who returned to the lineup after missing the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, needed just 11 minutes of game action to record a first-half double-double.

North Carolina got going literally from the opening tip (courtesy of a Lexi Donarski layup before everyone even had the chance to realize the game started) and never looked back.

Six Tar Heels scored in double-figures, led by 24 points from Alyssa Ustby. The Rochester, Minnesota native recorded her third double-double of the season in the victory.

While it's not the game on the schedule that makes you say "wow, that was a big win!" it's one that helps the UNC women's basketball program prepare for those big games. One is next on the schedule, as the Tar Heels will welcome back Teonni Key and the No. 14-ranked Kentucky Wildcats on December 5 as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge.