After the North Carolina women’s basketball team’s 70-59 victory in the opening round of the preseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament on Friday, senior Tierra Ruffin-Pratt said she considers herself to be a defensive player.
But in Sunday night’s quarterfinal matchup against Duquesne, Ruffin-Pratt showed that she could not only score but take over games.
Down nine at halftime, UNC rallied behind Ruffin-Pratt, whose 17-point second half led the Tar Heels to a 62-58 comeback win.
Ruffin-Pratt finished with a career-high 24 points, shooting eight-for-16 from the field and eight-for-11 from the free throw line. She also added three assists, two blocks and two steals.
“My team is looking for me to do more this year,” Ruffin-Pratt said. “Before, we had scorers on the team, and I didn’t have to score as much. But now they look for me to score as a senior. I have to do more than just play defense.”
Despite being listed at forward on the roster, coach Sylvia Hatchell said that Ruffin-Pratt will serve as the team’s point guard this year — a new position for the senior, who has missed significant time in the past because of injuries.
“She’s going to get better and better with her decision-making,” Hatchell said. “She’s playing point guard, which is a new position really for her, especially with being healthy. But she’s going to continue to improve and knock down shots at the position.
“I’m excited for her because she’s a strong player and is going to be a factor this season.”
After she scored UNC’s first 11 points in the second half, Duquesne tightened the pressure on Ruffin-Pratt. But her ball-handling skills and ability to break presses with her quickness forced the Dukes into foul trouble.
