The North Carolina women's basketball team (6-2, 1-2 ACC) faced the previously undefeated No. 18 Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1 ACC) in Chapel Hill on Thursday. UNC upset the Orange, 92-68, for the Tar Heels’ first ACC win of the season.
What happened?
The Tar Heels came storming out of the gate, racing to a 14-3 lead just under 5 minutes into the first quarter, and a 21-9 lead by the end of the opening frame. First-year guard Deja Kelly adeptly handled an aggressive Orange defense, dealing out several early assists and scoring 13 points in the first half. Senior center Janelle Bailey also started off quickly, scoring UNC’s first 6 points despite a significant height disadvantage with the Orange’s 6-foot-7 star center, Kamilla Cardoso.
Bailey, first-year Anya Poole, and sophomore Malu Tshitenge were impressive on the defensive end, forcing the Orange to battle for every bucket. Poole led the Tar Heels with 10 rebounds in the first half. A symptom of this intensity was foul trouble, which plagued the Tar Heels in the first half. Bailey and first-year Alyssa Ustby picked up two fouls early in the first half, forcing both to the bench. Ustby, making the first start of her young career, also hit two three-pointers in the first half.
Throughout the game, Syracuse employed an aggressive defensive approach, including a full-court press at times. Graduate transfer Petra Holešínská took advantage of this defense, showing off her excellent outside shot with 12 first half points and 21 for the game.
In the second quarter, the Orange improved on offense, scoring 23 points. The Tar Heels, though, continued their offensive prowess, leading Syracuse 45-32 at halftime.
UNC continued its strong offensive display in the third quarter, led by Bailey’s 11 points. Kelly also continued her strong game with 4 points and a pair of assists. Meanwhile, Syracuse couldn’t continue its second quarter offensive output, following its 23 point output in the second with a 15 point third quarter in which they missed five of eight free throw attempts. The Tar Heels led the Orange 69-47 at the end of the third frame.
UNC held their wide lead throughout the fourth quarter, ending the game with a 92-68 victory.
