Coming off a six-game skid, the North Carolina women’s basketball team did not start on the right foot Thursday evening.
A technical prior to tip-off gave No. 13 Louisville a 2-0 advantage thanks to two free throws before the clock started rolling.
After battling throughout the night, the Tar Heels ultimately could not handle the Cardinals' depth, falling 78-60 on Thursday night in Carmichael Arena.
Like many of the Tar Heels' games lately, the contest was a tale of two halves. The reoccurring theme of a third quarter Achilles heel was prevalent Thursday night.
The Tar Heels (12-12, 2-7 ACC) led for most of the first half and by as many as 10 points early in the third period. UNC found success by exposing Louisville’s half-court trap defense, bursting to a 16-14 lead at the end of the first period.
This burst was led by redshirt junior forward Hillary Summers, who owned the paint for the first 20 minutes of play — compiling 10 points, five rebounds and a block before the break.
UNC outrebounded Louisville 24-20 in the first half, while taking a 32-28 advantage into the locker room at halftime.
Then came the second half.
Louisville exploded in the third period for 35 points and outscored UNC 50-28 in the second half. Around the seven-minute mark of the third quarter, the wheels came off for the Tar Heels.
