Mitchell Northam, an Associated Press correspondent.

On Thursday night, North Carolina defeated No. 6 North Carolina State with a score of 80-70, thanks to a strong performance from Lexi Donarski who scored 23 points.

The Tar Heels (18-9, 10-5 ACC) received additional support from Alyssa Ustby, who contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds, Alexandra Zelaya with a career-high 12 points, Maria Gakdeng with 12 points and seven rebounds, and Indya Nivar with 11 points.

Aziaha James was the top scorer for the Wolfpack (23-4, 11-4) with 24 points. Mimi Collins also contributed to the team’s success with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Saniya Rivers added 13 points and Madison Hayes scored 11 points.

The Tar Heels secured their third consecutive win following a four-game losing streak, while the Wolfpack’s three-game winning streak was broken.

Following a seven-point deficit in the initial quarter, UNC’s coach Courtney Banghart made a strategic move by subbing in Alexandra Zelaya and Indya Nivar for a smaller front court. This decision proved successful as the Tar Heels ended the quarter with a 13-5 run, giving them a two-point lead. Zelaya’s two 3-pointers were a key factor in this comeback.

Zelaya hit her fourth 3 of the night — a career high for the senior forward — in the third quarter. The Tar Heels pushed their lead to 14 points in the fourth quarter when Donarski swished her fifth 3.

The consistent performance of Deja Kelly, the point guard for UNC, was also crucial. She scored nine points, made eight assists, and had zero turnovers in 38 minutes.

BIG PICTURE

North Carolina: This was one of the most complete games the Tar Heels have played in a while. They led for nearly 30 minutes. UNC outscored N.C. State 20-15 in the second quarter, marking the first time since a Dec. 19 win over Oklahoma that the Heels scored more than their opponent in that frame. This was UNC’s first win over a ranked opponent since beating Louisville on Jan. 21.

NC State: The Wolfpack entered with one of the best defenses in the country, allowing opponents to make just 35.2% of their field goals, which is ninth-best nationally. But N.C. State couldn’t stop the Tar Heels from beyond the arc. North Carolina shot a season-best 52.4% on 3-pointers.

UP NEXT

On Sunday, North Carolina will face Virginia Tech, ranked eighth in the country.

NC State will play against Duke on Sunday.

Source: wralsportsfan.com