COLUMBIA, S.C. – WBB Ends Season With Loss At No. 1 South Carolina
The University of North Carolina women’s basketball team concluded their season on a challenging note after suffering a defeat against top-ranked South Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. The game, held in Columbia, South Carolina, ended with a dominant 88-41 victory for the Gamecocks.
Tough Challenge Against Undefeated South Carolina
Facing an undefeated South Carolina team that boasts a 34-0 record, the UNC Tar Heels found themselves in a tough position from the start. Despite briefly holding a 2-1 lead early in the game, North Carolina struggled to maintain momentum against the powerful Gamecocks.
Game Highlights and Statistics
The Gamecocks quickly established their dominance with a 28-8 lead by the end of the first quarter. South Carolina’s impressive performance included a remarkable shooting percentage of 59%, leading to a commanding 56-19 advantage at halftime. The team’s strong offensive display resulted in a season-high score of 88 points against UNC.
On the Tar Heels’ side, senior Alyssa Ustby led the team with 12 points and six rebounds, while junior Maria Gakdeng contributed eight points, six rebounds, and four blocks. However, North Carolina struggled to find their rhythm, recording season lows in multiple categories including points scored, field goals made, and field goal percentage.
Strong Showing by South Carolina
South Carolina’s depth and bench strength were evident as five of their players reached double figures in scoring, with MiLaysia Fulwiley leading the way with 20 points off the bench. The Gamecocks’ balanced attack overwhelmed UNC, particularly in the bench scoring department where South Carolina held a 51-0 advantage.
Season Recap and Outlook
Despite the challenging end to their season, the Tar Heels can look back on their accomplishments, including making their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and reaching the second round for the third straight year. With a final record of 20-13, North Carolina displayed resilience and competitive spirit throughout the season.
