Women's Basketball

[kjcooper]

UNC women are in action today in a first round game of the NCAAT in Chapel Hill against Oregon State. Tip of is at 4:30 pm on ESPNU, Oregon State enters with an overall record of 19-15. For those who have an opportunity to watch, or go to the game, let's support the women's team to advance to the second round.

 

[kjcooper]

UNC women defeated Oregon State 70 to 49 yesterday, up next is West Virginia with a sweet sixteen spot at stake. This was a tight game at halftime with UNC leading 26 to 24. But with Lexi Donarski making 5 of 6 3 pointers in the 3rd quarter, the game became a blowout. Once again defense was the different for UNC as it has been all season.
They will be playing on Monday against the six seed West Virginia, not sure about the start time at this moment.

 

[tcb22]

That second half was FUN to watch! People who don't tune in to this team are missing some really good basketball.

 

[kjcooper]

UNC will be playing West Virginia at 7:00 pm on Monday, televised by ESPN2. Should be an exciting game, if you are able to watch it, please do. If they win on Monday they will play Duke in the sweet sixteen game, with a chance to make the elite 8.

 

[Sideshow Greg]

After we beat dook it'll be another shot at SC.

 

[tarheel0910]

After we beat dook it'll be another shot at SC.

Let's hope Maryland can pull off the upset.

 

[sctarheel30]

Let's hope Maryland can pull off the upset.

So true

 

[sctarheel30]

Let’s send the dookies home like the guys did a few years ago

 

[kjcooper]

Congrats to the UNC women's team on defeating West Virginia 58 to 47 last night. Current record for the women's team is 29 and 7. This was not one of UNC best shooting performances but you have to take in consideration that West Virginia women's team ranks 15 nationally in total defense. Speaking of defense UNC held WV to 24.1% shooting, and 09.5% on 3 pointers.
The star for the women's team was Ustby with 21 points, on 7 for 11 shooting, 7 rebounds and 4 steals.
Leading rebounder was Nivar with 10 and Gakdeng with 9.
Next up is a battle against Duke at 2:30 pm on Friday in Birmingham on ESPN, for a chance to reach to elite 8.
Providing they get pass Duke their challenge will be either SC or Maryland, just hope the ladies shoot a higher percentage against Duke than they did last night.
If you have a chance this weekend please check out the game between Duke and Carolina, and let's hope they can move one step closer to a regional final.

 

[tcb22]

Duke has been very impressive here at the end. We are in spurts but then can go cold for 4-5 minutes. Although we split with Duke, this game is a really tough one for us.

 

[kjcooper]

No doubt it's going to be a tough game, as you mentioned UNC does have scoring droughts, but Duke has them as well. This will be a low scoring game due to the fact both teams excel on defense. The key for UNC will be rebounding and making FT's.

 

[tcb22]

Another key will be someone who can step up to make the big shots, not just take them. Ustby, Donarski, Gakdeng, etc. are all capable so I hope at least one is hot. The others also have their moments which makes it hard to understand why they seem to have 4-6 minutes at least once per game if not more where they can't buy a shot. Looking forward to a good day of women's basketball!

 

[kjcooper]

Unfortunately the women's basketball season came to an end today, losing to Duke 47 to 38. This was a defensive battle by both teams as indicated by the final score.
Team Stats - UNC
FG% - 28.3
3Pt FG% - 27.2
FT% - 5 out of 10 for 50%
T/O's - 15
Rebounds - 40

Team Stats - Duke
FG% - 31.0
3PtFG% - 20.8
FT% - 6 out of 14 for 42.86%
T/O's - 10
Rebounds - 43

Duke advances to the elite 8 where they will probably face South Carolina the No# 1 seed. This matchup against South Carolina has been the one which Carolina has drawn for the past two years. Let see if Duke can pull off an upset, in order to do this it's going to take more that 47 points to beat South Carolina women.

Apparently, Banghart and the GM will be watching the portal since they need some shot makers, this team is a defensive juggernaut , but you need to score points in order to win close games.

 

[sctarheel30]

Wow just 38 points ouch!!

 

[ohio tarheels]

And opened on an 11-0 run so only 27 points over the last 34 minutes of game action… A good season for the ladies now time to try and take it a step or two further

 

[sctarheel30]

And opened on an 11-0 run so only 27 points over the last 34 minutes of game action… A good season for the ladies now time to try and take it a step or two further

Oh my!! Wasn’t able to watch and wasn’t aware of that.

 

[kjcooper]

Some of the guru's have stated that this was the worst game of the women's NCAAT, two teams who cannot score. This was one of the lowest scoring game in sweet sixteen history. Duke and Carolina are both excellent defensive teams, but they are challenged offensively. Another issue which both teams will have to improve on his FT percentages, those percentages both had were ridiculous. These are areas which both teams needs to address if they want to reach the upper level in women's college basketball.

 

[tcb22]

Sorry it ended that way. Regretfully Duke can really put the clamps on. They did it to us today and the last game of the regular season and they did it to State in the conference championship game. The season was a successful and fun one for the most part. Now time to turn the page...
KJ--since you seem to be the most knowledgeable poster on here, what do you see for next year? I know we lose Ustby, Donarski and Gakdeng who were probably our best players this year. What are we seeing for next year? Laney Grant is going to be a star. And, we have been active and successful in the portal in previous years.

 

[kjcooper]

Just from what has been observed:
(1.) Need a backup PG for Reniya Kelly since Grace Townsend is graduating as well. Still not sure if Kayla McPherson will be able to play again, she's an elite scorer and defender at 5'8". Lanie Grant is a star in the makings at PG or SG.
(2.) Shooting guards - Trayanna Crisp is a good defender but a limited shooter and scorer. Indya Nivar is another good defender, but is also a limited shooter and scorer.
(3.) Nyla Brooks incoming freshman at 6'1" can play SG/W. Taliya Henderson incoming freshman is 6'1" is a wing player. Taissa Queiroz is on campus this year as an incoming freshman but will be redshirting next year. The biggest adjustment for freshman is the physical play of college ball, and defense.
(4.) Ciera Toomey at 6'4" F and Blanca Thomas at 6'5" center was theoretically freshman this season, it going to be imperative for them to improve over the off season to make up for the lost of Gakdeng and Ustby. That's going to be a challenge for them, let's hope they are up to the challenge.

Not sure if Courtney Banghart has met with the team and players on what she expects of each player next year. So far none of the players have entered the portal to my knowledge. Currently there are at least 824 women who have entered the portal. Going to be interesting to see how Banghart and her GM maneuver through it, since they realize they are going to need some shot makers. They cannot afford to only score 38 points in a game, even though they only allowed 47 points.
Will add on to this once things become more clearer.

 

[tcb22]

Thanks--I knew you would be the one to know at this point.

 

[chickenhunter]

Definitely need more offense. Hoping CB can hit the portal for scorers.

 

[kjcooper]

Surprised that Duke women held SC to 54 points today, in a losing effort only scoring 50. Duke is in the same situation as UNC women, they play lights out defense but are unable to score enough points to be elite. What both teams have in their favor is they are young, and will get better with experience and the portal.