After the mens team was dismantled by Indian last night, North Carolina’s women’s basketball team came into tonight’s game against No. 15 Ohio State looking to preserve the school’s — and the ACC’s — reputation against the Big 10.
Things got off to an auspicious start. Center Waltiea Rolle won the tip for UNC, and Brittany Rountree put in a quick layup less than four seconds into the game.
The Tar Heels tried their best to keep up their quick pace against the Buckeyes’ preference of a slower, set offense, but made more turnovers than baskets — 12 miscues to 10 made field goals. But stingy defense has allowed to hold a four point lead against Ohio State, 29-25, at half.
The turnovers proved costly for UNC when the Buckeyes went on a 7-0 run fueled by steals after a media timeout to go up 15-11, but North Carolina head coach Sylvia Hatchell quickly called a timeout and the Tar Heels regained composure, scoring five points of their own to take the lead.
Despite Ohio State’s greater size in the frontcourt, UNC has hammered the ball down low, getting 12 free-throw attempts to Ohio State’s zero and has 24 rebounds to the Buckeyes’ 19.
Rolle leads UNC with 10 points, while Rountree has seven on three-for-four shooting.
UNC ended the half with seven straight points to overcome another 7-0 from OSU that briefly put the Buckeyes ahead 25-22.
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