Preview: UNC women's hoops looks to contain high-powered MSU offense in NCAAT first round

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Rather than calling the NCAA tournament by its March Madness or Big Dance monikers, head coach Courtney Banghart refers to it as the “third chapter.”

It’s the last part of a tumultuous trilogy. The first chapter is the nonconference. Then comes ACC play. And now, after two weeks reconditioning following a second-round conference tournament exit, this chapter represents a new beginning on college basketball’s biggest stage.

But this bookend is also the one with the most decisive ending — execute the plan, or go home. 

"We’ve had to really evolve," Banghart said.

Over the last week, the No. 8-seeded UNC women’s basketball team has shifted its practices completely in preparation to face No. 9-seeded Michigan State in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday. With an emphasis on feeding the post, igniting from behind the arc and defending with urgency, UNC is looking to make the second round for the third consecutive year.

On Wednesday, in an empty Colonial Life Arena, assistant coach Adrian Walters stood on the baseline. He watched junior center Maria Gakdeng set a screen and his displeasure quickly filled the gym.

“If you think that screen is gonna get somebody open," Walters yells, "you’ve made a big mistake.” 

If this third chapter has a title, it can be found in Walters’ simple but ever-present phrase: “No shortcuts.” Gakdeng tried the move again. This time, the center’s attempt elicited a much better reaction from the coach.

Although no player can slack off during the team's upcoming contest, Gakdeng truly cannot. As a 6-foot-3 center, Gakdeng is UNC's sole true rim protector, making her a primary asset in shutting down MSU guard Julia Ayrault, who averages a team-high 15.4 points and 7.2 rebounds.

With the Spartans' guard-heavy lineup, Ayrault is often forced to play in the post. While she can get hot from behind the arc — boasting a 35 percent 3-point percentage — Ayrault also finds success at the rim. By having a height advantage, Gakdeng can limit Ayrault’s scoring and rebounding abilities.

“Getting those rebounds off misses and getting in transition is going to be really important for us,” Gakdeng said. 

But to advance in the Big Dance, Banghart acknowledges that success is a two-way street. According to senior forward Anya Poole, the head coach has been preaching the importance of the guards’ roles in her plan for the entire week. 

“We need the post to be physical and get the position," Poole said, "but we also need our guards to be able to read that."

The Spartans average over nine 3-pointers per game, good for ninth in the country. Their success from behind the arc propels their potent offense, which averages 83.7 points per game — the sixth-best in the country.

Not only will senior guard Deja Kelly and graduate guard Lexi Donarski have to find their own 3-point success, they will also have to pass inside to find scoring opportunities in the paint.

“Maria is a great scorer,” Poole said. “We know that she can get us easy points in the paint and that’s what we need.”

Twenty-four hours to game time, Banghart watched on silently from half court, notepad in hand. Walters dished out occasional critiques, calling for high-intensity and perfect execution. The players transferred their momentum from the last two weeks of practice into the South Carolina gym.

In the practice’s newfound rhythm, there was tension as the Tar Heels’ season hung in the balance — the third chapter waiting to be written. 

@_emmahmoon

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