University of North Carolina Athletics
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Donarski And Kelly Lead Carolina Past UNCW, 77-50
November 7, 2024 | Women's Basketball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Highlighted from a hot night beyond the arc from the duo of Lexi Donarski and Reniya Kelly, North Carolina women's basketball moved to 2-0 after defeating UNCW 77-50 from Carmichael Arena on Thursday night.
Donarksi, the first Tar Heel to score 20 or more points this season, hit 5-of-11 from deep to lead North Carolina (2-0) past UNCW (0-2) for the sixth program win against the Seahawks. In her 13th career start, Kelly heated up from beyond the arc in going 3-of-5 en route to 14 points.
Guiding the Tar Heels, Grace Townsend dished out a game-best eight assists and added four rebounds. Off the glass, youth paved the way for UNC with freshman Blanca Thomas with 10 and redshirt freshman Ciera Toomey adding 9 points and 8 rebounds. Alyssa Ustby finished with five or more boards for the second game in a row, stuffing the stat sheet with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
Feeling it early, Donarski's first three put the Tar Heels in motion to spark a quick 11-0 run within the opening minutes. UNC's defense came out rearing to go, restricting UNCW from the basket for over half the first quarter. Another quick 6-0 run highlighted by a Kelly steal to feed Trayanna Crisp, put Carolina up 20-7 through one.
Kelly's hot hands carried the Tar Heels into the break, as UNC forced double-digit turnovers in the first half to lead by as many as 20 in the second quarter. Heading into the break, UNC held a commanding 40-16 advantage over UNCW.
Townsend continued to direct the Tar Heel offense throughout the third, despite a short burst from UNCW as they attempted to claw back. Toomey began to find her footing in the paint, six points in the third as Carolina worked to put the Seahawks away.
Despite short runs from UNCW, Donarski continued to cushion Carolina's lead throughout the half. Ahead by as many as 32, North Carolina was able to ultimately put away UNCW, 77-50.
The Tar Heels embark on their first road trip of the season, with a short drive to Greensboro on Tuesday to visit NC A&T. Tip from the Corbett Sports Center at 7 p.m. ET, can be viewed through FloCollege.
