University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
12-2,0-1ACC
Norfolk State
11-4,0-0MEAC
Threes Fall As No. 19 WBB Runs Past Norfolk State In Non-Conference Finale
December 21, 2024 | Women's Basketball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In its final game of non-conference play, No. 19 North Carolina picked up a complete victory over the back-to-back MEAC champions in Norfolk State, defeating the Spartans 90-47 from Carmichael Arena on Saturday. The Tar Heels earned their 12th win of non-conference action for the most in a single season since 2013-14.
North Carolina (12-2, 0-1 ACC) earned its second straight victory in convincing fashion, holding Norfolk State (11-4, 0-0 MEAC) to its fewest points in a game this season. Six Tar Heels finished their day in double-figures, with Lanie Grant leading the way with a team-best 15 to tie her career-high. In an offensive flurry from the Tar Heels, UNC tied the single-game program high with 14 made threes.
In her third start of the season, Grace Townsend tallied her UNC-best with 14 points and dished out a Carolina high five assists. Leading UNC off the glass, Alyssa Ustby recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 11 rebounds and 10 points.
With her 300th career made three, Lexi Donarski eclipsed the mark with three-made triples en route to 11 points. Maria Gakdeng tallied double-figures for the third-straight game with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Ciera Toomey tied her career-high with 10 points.
Back-to-back three's from Donarski in the opening minutes sparked a quick 10-0 Tar Heel scoring burst as shots kept falling for UNC. The Tar Heels limited the Spartans to strong looks from the field, holding Norfolk State to only eight points for their fewest in a first quarter this year. A late three from Grant, had the Tar Heels shooting at a blistering 75% from the field through one, leading the Spartans 29-8.
Forcing Norfolk State to pay for its turnovers, Carolina took advantage of Spartan miscues to extend its lead throughout the second quarter. Scoring 20 points alone off of Norfolk State turnovers compared to the Spartans overall point total, UNC carried a 49-19 lead into the break.
Holding Norfolk State scoreless until four minutes remained through in the third quarter, Carolina kept taking advantage of Spartan errors to extend its advantage. In yet another defensive masterclass, UNC limited Norfolk State to a mere five points to remain ahead 68-24 through the third quarter.
Despite the Spartans scoring a game-high 23 points in the third quarter, Carolina had already cemented itself on solid ground to take home a 90-47 win.
The Tar Heels take off for a short holiday break, before returning to action to begin the gauntlet of ACC play with a trip to Miami on Sunday, Dec. 29. Tip from the Watsco Center can be found on ACC Network at 4 p.m. ET.
