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UNC Women’s Basketball Faces Duke in Sweet 16 Rematch

ByCoach

In an electrifying turn of events, the UNC women’s basketball team is advancing to their second Sweet 16 in four years. This achievement comes after a hard-fought victory over No. 6 West Virginia, with a final score of 58-49.

Despite struggling with their shooting for most of the game, the Tar Heels’ tenacious defense proved to be the deciding factor, disrupting West Virginia’s high-powered offense.

Now, UNC is set to face No. 2 Duke in what promises to be a thrilling rematch in Birmingham, Alabama. This will be the first time these two fierce rivals meet in the NCAA Tournament, adding another layer of intensity to an already heated rivalry.

UNC’s Gritty Defense Shines

The Tar Heels’ journey to the Sweet 16 was anything but smooth. Their second-round win against West Virginia was a testament to their resilience and defensive prowess.

UNC managed to hold West Virginia to just 13 out of 54 attempted shots, including only two successful three-pointers. This defensive effort was crucial in securing their spot in the Sweet 16, despite their own shooting woes.

Key Defensive Highlights

  • West Virginia’s high-octane offense was held to 49 points
  • Only 13 out of 54 attempted shots were successful
  • West Virginia managed just two three-pointers

These statistics underscore the importance of defense in tournament play, where every possession counts. The Tar Heels’ ability to stifle West Virginia’s scoring opportunities was a key factor in their victory.

A Rivalry Renewed: UNC vs. Duke

As UNC prepares to face Duke in the Sweet 16, the rivalry between these two teams adds an extra layer of excitement. The season series between the Tar Heels and Blue Devils is currently even at one win apiece.

Their first matchup on January 9 saw then-No. 19 North Carolina hand then-No. 14 Duke their first conference loss of the season in an overtime thriller, 53-49. Alyssa Ustby’s double-double performance was instrumental in that victory.

Previous Matchups

  • January 9: UNC defeated Duke 53-49 in overtime
  • February: Duke defeated UNC 68-53 at Cameron Indoor Stadium

In their second meeting, Duke sought revenge and emerged victorious with a 68-53 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium, despite a strong 17-point effort from UNC freshman Lanie Grant. This back-and-forth dynamic sets the stage for an epic showdown in Birmingham.

What to Expect in the Sweet 16

The upcoming game between UNC and Duke promises to be a defensive battle. Both teams have shown their ability to grind out wins, and their previous matchups have been closely contested.

Duke is coming off an ACC Tournament championship and a gritty win against No. 10 Oregon, which further highlights their defensive capabilities.

Game Details

  • Start time: Friday, March 28 at 2:30 p.m.
  • TV info: ESPN
  • Location: Legacy Arena at BJCC, Birmingham, Alabama

Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, where the intensity of this rivalry will be on full display.

The game will be held at the Legacy Arena at BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama, providing a neutral ground for this high-stakes encounter.

Players to Watch

Both teams boast a roster of talented players who can make a significant impact on the game.

For UNC, Alyssa Ustby and Lanie Grant have been standout performers throughout the season. Ustby’s double-double in their first matchup against Duke and Grant’s 17-point effort in their second meeting highlight their importance to the team.

UNC’s Key Players

  • Alyssa Ustby: Known for her double-doubles and defensive prowess
  • Lanie Grant: Freshman standout with a strong offensive game

On the other side, Duke’s balanced attack and defensive strength have been their hallmarks. Their performance in the ACC Tournament and their recent win against Oregon underscore their ability to compete at the highest level.

The Road Ahead

The winner of the UNC vs. Duke matchup will advance to the Elite Eight. This brings them one step closer to the ultimate goal: a national championship. Both teams have shown they have the talent and determination to make a deep tournament run.

For UNC, advancing past Duke would be a significant milestone. It would also be a testament to their growth and resilience this season.

As the Tar Heels and Blue Devils prepare to clash, fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating what promises to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament. With both teams evenly matched and a storied rivalry adding to the drama, the Sweet 16 showdown in Birmingham is set to be a must-watch event.

For more detailed coverage and updates, you can read the full article on the Fayetteville Observer.

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