UNC WBB upsets NC State on final possession thanks to free throws, lockdown defense

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If you haven’t started paying attention to the UNC women’s basketball team yet this season, might we suggest you start now.

On Sunday afternoon, the Tar Heels welcomed in-state rival NC State to Carmichael Arena. The visiting Wolfpack entered Sunday’s game ranked 10th in the AP Poll, with their last loss coming back on January 9 to ACC newcomer California.

When the final buzzer sounded, North Carolina pulled off yet another major upset, winning 66-65 and snapping NC State’s (20-5, 12-2 ACC) winning streak at nine games. Sunday was UNC’s (23-4, 11-3) fourth win over a ranked team this season.

Sunday’s game literally came down to the final possession, which started when Wolfpack star Saniya Rivers missed a jumper from just inside the 3-point line.

Tar Heels center Maria Gakdeng quickly pulled down the rebound, then head coach Courtney Banghart drew up the game-winning play in the huddle. North Carolina guard Grace Townsend drove to the basket with five seconds left, drew a foul on Zoe Brooks, then drained both her free throws.

UNC’s defense then locked in after Townsend’s makes, forcing an off-balance shot attempt and sending the Carmichael crowd into jubilation. That final defensive possession for the Tar Heels was a microcosm of their standout performance in clutch time, holding State without a point in the final 1:30.

North Carolina’s staple is its defense, ranking 12th nationally in opponent field goal percentage and 20th in opponent points per game. UNC won another game Sunday thanks to its defense, which continues to improve as we get closer to March Madness.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Grace Townsend helps UNC WBB upset NC State Sunday in Chapel Hill

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/unc-wbb-upsets-nc-state-012718974.html

Author : Tar Heels Wire

Publish date : 2025-02-17 01:27:00

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