According to The Associated Press.

On Sunday, Deja Kelly put up 27 points, while Alyssa Ustby contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds for No. 20 North Carolina. Despite a strong effort from Virginia, North Carolina managed to secure an 81-68 victory.

During a mini 9-5 run in the third quarter, Kelly was responsible for all of North Carolina’s points, maintaining an eight-point lead over their opponents, the Tar Heels. In response, Olivia McGhee of Virginia scored two free throws and a 3-pointer as part of a 10-2 run, resulting in a tied score of 52-all with 28 seconds remaining. Ustby contributed a free throw, giving North Carolina a slight 53-52 lead as they headed into the fourth quarter.

The University of North Carolina recognized their 1994 national championship squad during a break between the third and fourth quarters. They then proceeded to score the initial five points of the last quarter. However, well-timed 3-point shots from McGee and Kymora Johnson helped Virginia stay within reach. Johnson’s 3-pointer brought the Cavaliers to a 65-61 score with 5 minutes left.

Kelly scored a jump shot for North Carolina, but Virginia missed a 3-pointer and turned the ball over on their next two possessions, resulting in a nine-point lead for the Tar Heels with less than 4 minutes remaining. Anya Poole then made 3 out of 4 free throws in the following 1 and a half minutes, extending the lead to 12 points. The Tar Heels made eight consecutive free throws in the last 1 minute and 9 seconds to secure the victory.

Kelly went 8 for 17 in shooting, scoring four 3-pointers and making seven free throws out of eight attempts. She also had five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Ustby contributed five assists and three steals for the Tar Heels (12-5, 4-1 ACC).

In the game for Virginia (8-8, 0-5), Camryn Taylor led the scoring with 16 points, followed by Johnson with 13, McGhee with 12, and London Clarkson with 10.

At the end of the first quarter, North Carolina had a score of 19-12 and gained a 14-point lead early in the second. Despite a 3-pointer from Kelly giving them a 12-point lead with 3 minutes left in the quarter, Virginia staged a comeback, outscoring North Carolina 7-0 in the remaining minutes of the half to close the gap to 37-32 at halftime.

On Thursday, North Carolina will compete against Georgia Tech while Virginia will host Notre Dame.

Source: wralsportsfan.com