The women’s basketball team arrived in Spokane, Washington last night, where they’ll face a No. 1 seeded Stanford for a shot to move on to the Elite Eight. Here’s what to expect:
Backcourt
The Tar Heels are deeper at the guard position. Cetera DeGraffenreid’s passing accuracy has given her one of the best assist- turnover ratios in the nation, and putting the ball in the hands of leading scorer and shooting guard Italee Lucas is what the senior does best. Edge: UNC
Frontcourt
UNC’s towering forwards gives the Tar Heels the height advantage, but Stanford’s Ogwumike sisters could spell double trouble for North Carolina. Senior Nnemkadi Ogwumike’s 59 percent field-goal percentage is one of the best in the country. Edge: Stanford
Bench
Laura Broomfield leads UNC in rebounding, and Tierra Ruffin-Pratt has been a spark for the Tar Heels off the bench all season. But the tournament experience of Stanford’s underclassmen bench players is unmatched, thanks to UNC’s first-round exit in 2010. Edge: Stanford
Intangibles
UNC is hungry for a national championship, but Stanford is simply closer to realizing that dream. Stanford was responsible for ending UConn’s 90-game winning streak, and with just two losses, the Cardinal is seasoned and successful against top competitors. Edge: Stanford
The Bottom Line — Stanford 77, North Carolina 64
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