North Carolina
25-6,13-5ACC
Virginia
16-14,8-10ACC
WBB Unable To Overcome Virginia On Senior Day
March 2, 2025 | Women's Basketball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Wrapping up the regular season from home, women's basketball could not overcome a hot shooting Virginia squad to fall 78-75 to the Cavaliers from Carmichael Arena on Sunday. Despite a career-high 25 points from Maria Gakdeng, Carolina was unable to withstand a 48-point second half from UVA.
Despite Gakdeng's career-day, North Carolina (25-6, 13-5) did not have enough gas left in the tank to push past Virginia (16-14, 8-10 ACC).
Along with a career-high 25 points from Gakdeng, she dished out a career-high five assists on Sunday. Leading the team in rebounds, Gakdeng and Grace Townsend snagged nine each. Lexi Donarski posted double-digits with 18 points, while draining four made threes. Recording 12 points, Indya Nivar reached double-digits in scoring for the 11th game this season.
Donarski came out raring to go, scoring UNC's first eight points of the game. Posting a huge presence in the paint, Carolina packed it in with 14 of their points in the first quarter coming from the inside. With Grant hitting a last second jumper, Carolina ran out to a 27-17 lead through one.
Running out with an 6-0 run to kick off the second, Carolina worked to extend its advantage over UVA. Despite hitting a cold stretch, the Tar Heels defense allowed them to control UVA's offense and remain ahead. A balanced attack from UNC with five players scoring five or more points in the first half, had Carolina ahead 41-30 going into the locker room at the half.
Not going out without a fight, Virginia pulled within one in the third to force a sense of urgency from Carolina. Gakdeng's presence on the inside allowed the Tar Heels to still maintain a narrow lead at 60-56 heading into the fourth.
Virginia posted a 7-0 run to create a one possession game, with Carolina leading at 71-70 with two minutes remaining. The Cavaliers could not be denied, outscoring Carolina 8-4 in the final minutes. Despite multiple last minute attempts, Carolina could not overcome the narrow deficit, falling 78-75.
Carolina will await the unveiling of the 2025 Ally ACC Women's Basketball Tournament bracket tonight to find out its opponent in its first game in Greensboro.
