University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Syracuse
No. 7 North Carolina Too Much for Syracuse
November 18, 2007 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 18, 2007
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- Rashanda McCants had career highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds to lead No. 7 North Carolina to a 97-72 victory over Syracuse in the Women's National Invitation Tournament on Sunday.
McCants, who led five players in double figures, scored 20 points by the half as North Carolina (5-0) ran up a 54-29 lead at the break. She finished the game 7-for-15 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and 9-for-13 at the line.
Erlana Larkins added 15 points and LaToya Pringle 11 for North Carolina. Heather Claytor and Jessica Breland each had 10.
North Carolina hit just 15 of 40 second-half shots from the field, and 31 of 73 for the game. But the Tar Heels used a 54-46 rebounding edge, including 30-19 in the second half, to hold Syracuse. The Orange's Fantasia Goodwin and Vionca Murray each fouled out of the physical game, which featured 52 fouls.
Syracuse (1-1), coming off a win Saturday over Coppin State, was led by Erica Morrow's 17 points. Vaida Sipaviciute had 12 points and Chandrea Jones 10.
The Orange led 2-0 then went scoreless on 18 of their next 24 possessions. McCants hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 points as North Carolina jumped out to a 19-7 lead in the opening 6:15.
Syracuse never got closer than 57-34 in the second half. The Tar Heels pulled away to lead by 97-62 before missing their last eight shots.
