Analysis: How the UNC women's basketball team fared over winter break
UNC graduate-student guard/forward Alyssa Ustby (1) goes for a layup during the women’s basketball game against Notre Dame on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at Carmichael Arena.
The No. 19 North Carolina women’s basketball team achieved a 6-2 record over winter break, successfully closing out non-conference play and competing in three ACC matchups. The Tar Heels are 13-3 overall and 9th in the conference.
From non-conference bye games to top-25 matchups, UNC solidified its dominance against lesser opponents while displaying some weaknesses when facing top talent.
With classes starting back up, here is a breakdown of how the Tar Heels fared while the bustle of campus ceased over the holidays:
Up for the challenge
North Carolina gained its first marquee win in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
UNC overpowered then-ranked No. 14 Kentucky, 72-53, in Carmichael Arena on Dec. 5. The Tar Heels handed the Wildcats their first loss of the season and held the SEC powerhouse to a season-low point total thanks to their defensive performance, which has become UNC's calling card.
UNC sophomore guard Reniya Kelly (10) handles the ball during the women’s basketball game against Kentucky at Carmichael Arena on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. UNC won 72-53.
Reniya Kelly recorded a season-high 18 points and added 6 assists to lead the Tar Heels offensively in their first top-25 win of the season. As the sophomore guard has taken on a larger role with the team this season, averaging 25 minutes per game compared to 18.5 last year, performances like this one reflect her offensive improvements.
Cruising past bye opponents
The Tar Heels doled out a pair of non-conference blowouts in the next week, building on their momentum from the ranked win.
UNC submerged Coppin State on Dec. 8 in a shooting attack, 72-46, in Carmichael Arena, tallying a season-high 12 threes.
North Carolina continued to command its home opponents after another resounding win against UNCG, 80-56, just three days later.
Breaking the seal in the ACC
Heading into their conference opener against Georgia Tech, the Tar Heels held a seven-game winning streak and ranked No. 6 nationally in scoring defense.
But the streak ended against then-ranked No. 25 Georgia Tech in UNC’s ACC opener on Dec. 15.
UNC-CH sophomore center Maria Gakdeng (5) drives for the basket during UNC's 82-76 loss to Georgia Tech on Dec. 15, 2024 at Carmichael Arena.
The Yellow Jackets' offensive pace and defensive aggression overwhelmed the Tar Heels. A late11-0 run in the fourth quarter saw North Carolina nearly overcome its 23-point deficit, but the team fell short.
North Carolina lost to the undefeated Yellow Jackets, 82-76, in Carmichael Arena to start 0-1 in the ACC.
Victory in road battles
Looking to bounce back, UNC traveled to Charlotte on Dec. 18 to take on Florida in the Jumpman Invitational. The Tar Heels left the Queen City with another 20-point win on their resume. North Carolina toppled the Gators, 77-57, to secure its second win against an SEC opponent this season.
After a brief return home to overcome Norfolk State, UNC headed out for its first ACC road game against Miami on Dec. 29 in Coral Gables.
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The Tar Heels handled the Hurricanes, 69-60, and earned their first ACC win of the season. Graduate forward Alyssa Ustby and senior center Maria Gakdeng totaled 40 of UNC’s 69 points to lead North Carolina to its first win at Miami since 2015. UNC has relied on this pair as their top two scorers throughout the season.
Conference trouble at home
UNC’s second conference game was also in a top-25 matchup at home against No. 3 Notre Dame on Jan. 5. The Tar Heels struggled to keep up with the Fighting Irish’s hot shooting and fell 76-66.
Despite Notre Dame firing 62 percent from the 3-point line, North Carolina forced 21 turnovers and kept the deficit within single digits after falling behind by 14 in the second quarter.
As classes reconvene, the Tar Heels will welcome rival No. 14 Duke to Carmichael Arena on Thursday. UNC will look to secure its second ACC win of the season and first victory of 2025.
