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Tar Heel Women Triumph Over FSU: Freshman Grant Shines

ByCoach

The No. 14 North Carolina Tar Heels women’s basketball team secured a thrilling 60-56 victory over the No. 22 Florida State Seminoles in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament. The game was held in Greensboro, N.C. The Tar Heels showcased their resilience and determination by overcoming a tough opponent to advance to the semifinals.

Key performances from Alyssa Ustby and freshman Lanie Grant, along with a strong rebounding effort, were instrumental in the win.

The Tar Heels will now face the top-seeded N.C. State in the semifinals, setting the stage for another exciting matchup.

Key Performances Lead the Tar Heels to Victory

Alyssa Ustby was a standout player for the Tar Heels, scoring 12 points and grabbing an impressive 18 rebounds. Her dominance on the boards was a crucial factor in North Carolina’s success, as she helped the team achieve a 53-40 rebounding advantage over Florida State.

This included a 17-9 edge on the offensive end, which translated to a 21-2 difference in second-chance points.

Freshman Lanie Grant’s Clutch Free Throws

Freshman Lanie Grant played a pivotal role in the final moments of the game. With just 7.3 seconds left on the clock, Grant calmly sank two free throws to secure the win for the Tar Heels.

Her composure under pressure was remarkable for a freshman, and her performance earned her recognition as a key contributor to the victory.

Reniya Kelly’s Timely Contributions

Reniya Kelly, who had missed the previous three games due to injury, made a significant impact upon her return.

In the closing moments of the game, Kelly hit a crucial jumper to give the Tar Heels the lead. She followed this up with another clutch shot near the foul line, extending the lead to 58-54 with just 20.4 seconds remaining.

Kelly’s timely contributions were vital in securing the win for North Carolina.

Defensive Efforts and Rebounding Dominate

North Carolina’s defensive efforts were a key factor in their victory. The Tar Heels managed to hold Florida State’s leading scorer, Ta’Niya Latson, to just 13 points, half of her season average.

Latson struggled with her shooting, going 3-of-14 from the field. The Seminoles, who had their lowest scoring game of the season, found it difficult to overcome North Carolina’s defensive intensity.

Maria Gakdeng’s Rebounding Prowess

Maria Gakdeng was another key player for the Tar Heels, grabbing 16 rebounds. Her efforts on the boards helped North Carolina maintain their rebounding advantage and limit Florida State’s second-chance opportunities.

Gakdeng’s presence in the paint was a significant factor in the Tar Heels’ defensive success.

Makayla Timpson’s Record-Tying Performance

Despite the loss, Florida State’s Makayla Timpson had a notable performance. Timpson scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and tied a tournament record with eight blocks.

Timpson’s defensive efforts were impressive, but ultimately not enough to overcome North Carolina’s balanced attack.

Looking Ahead: Semifinal Matchup with N.C. State

The Tar Heels will now face the top-seeded N.C. State in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. This matchup promises to be an exciting contest, as both teams have shown strong performances throughout the season.

North Carolina will need to continue their defensive intensity and rebounding dominance to advance to the finals.

Keys to Victory for the Tar Heels

To secure a win against N.C. State, the Tar Heels will need to focus on several key areas:

  • Defensive Intensity: Maintaining the same level of defensive pressure that held Florida State to their lowest scoring game of the season will be crucial.
  • Rebounding: Continuing to dominate the boards, particularly on the offensive end, will provide North Carolina with additional scoring opportunities.
  • Clutch Performances: Players like Reniya Kelly and Lanie Grant will need to continue delivering in high-pressure situations.

Players to Watch

Several players will be key to North Carolina’s success in the semifinals:

  • Alyssa Ustby: Her rebounding and scoring will be essential in controlling the paint.
  • Maria Gakdeng: Another strong rebounding performance will help limit N.C. State’s second-chance points.
  • Reniya Kelly: Her ability to make clutch shots could be the difference in a close game.

Conclusion

North Carolina’s victory over Florida State in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals showcased their resilience and determination.

Key performances from Alyssa Ustby, Lanie Grant, and Reniya Kelly, along with a strong defensive effort, were instrumental in the win.

As the Tar Heels prepare to face top-seeded N.C. State in the semifinals, their focus will be on maintaining their defensive intensity, dominating the boards, and delivering in clutch moments.

For more details on the game and upcoming matchups, visit the full article on Yahoo Sports.

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