The UNC women's basketball program returns to Carmichael Arena to kick-off a two-game homestand.
Their first opponent of that span will be the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Thursday night at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The Tar Heels have been playing stellar basketball, looking to pick up their 18th victory of the season on Thursday evening. Wake Forest hasn't had that success, as the Demon Deacons are still looking for their first conference victory of the 2024-2025 season.
North Carolina hopes that Wake Forest's conference drought continues at least one more game.
2024-2025 Season
North Carolina Tar Heels
Overall record: 17-3
Conference Record: 5-2
Home Record: 9-2
Away Record: 4-0
Neutral Site Record: 4-1
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Overall record: 7-11
Conference Record: 0-7
Home Record: 6-6
Away Record: 1-5
Neutral Site Record: 0-0
Key Players
North Carolina
Alyssa Ustby (Gr. Guard/Forward) – 11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Maria Gakdeng (Sr. Forward/Center) – 10.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
Lexi Donarski (Gr. Guard) – 9.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Wake Forest
Elise Williams (Sr. Guard) – 11.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Mayala Cowles (Jr. Forward) – 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Rylie Theuerkauf (So. Guard) – 9.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
Keys to Victory for North Carolina
Get out to a quick start and don't take your foot off the gas.
No disrepect to Wake Forest, but North Carolina comes in as a heavy favorite in this contest. In front of the home crowd, it will be important for the Tar Heels to feed off the energy and take control from the opening tip, as an early run could end up being a major boost as this game goes on.
Something to Watch for
Lexi Donarski has been shooting the basketball at an elite level, posting back-to-back games of five three-point field goals made. The fifth year graduate student is starting to get into a groove, a very good sign for the UNC women's basketball program.
It's not to say that Donarski can't knock down five triples per-game consistently, but at some point, teams are going to start attempting to limit her opportunities from deep. Can the Tar Heels continue to provide open space for Donarski as more attention begins to shift her way?
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)