By UNC Athletics

Alyssa Ustby, a senior player, made 10 out of 11 shots during the game, which included her first three-point shot of the season. She ended the night with a personal record of 25 points and helped the UNC women’s basketball team secure a 58-50 victory against Wake Forest at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Ustby recorded 10 rebounds, the most in the game, earning her 14th double-double of the season. This helped the Tar Heels improve to a record of 17-9, with a 9-5 record in Atlantic Coast Conference games.

In the victory, Senior Deja Kelly contributed 15 points and five rebounds, playing the entire 40 minutes. Junior Maria Gakdeng scored nine points, shooting 4-6, and grabbed seven rebounds as well.

On Thursday evening, Carolina will be playing against NC State at Carmichael Arena starting at 8 p.m.

Even though UNC scored a low 58 points, their shooting percentage of 52.4% was the highest of the season. They made 22 out of 42 shots, which was their second-lowest number of attempts this year.

In the beginning of the game, Carolina successfully made their first five shots, with Ustby contributing a three-pointer. They also managed to score off of their first two missed shots, giving them an early advantage. By the end of the first quarter, Carolina was leading 20-8, with a shooting percentage of 56.3% (9 out of 16 shots made).

The good scoring streak persisted in the second quarter, although there were not as many attempts. Carolina only took eight shots during this time, but managed to make five of them (62.5%) and were ahead 31-20 at halftime.

Wake Forest, with a record of 4 wins and 22 losses overall and 0 wins and 14 losses in the ACC, was never in the lead on their Senior Night. However, they did manage to narrow the gap to six points several times in the second half. At the nine-minute mark, Kate Deeble’s layup brought the score to 41-35, but Ustby responded with her own layup to maintain an eight-point lead.

The Demon Deacons came close once more with 32 seconds left, but Kelly made two free throws with 28 seconds left to secure the final score.

Elise Williams was the top scorer for the home team, putting up 13 points. Deeble came off the bench and contributed 12 points, shooting 5-7. Malaya Cowles also made a solid contribution with 10 points.

Carolina emerged victorious in their third consecutive game against Wake Forest, dominating the rebounding game with a final score of 40-27. They also outscored their opponent 34-22 in points scored in the paint.

Even though UNC performed well with their field goals, the Tar Heels struggled with their free throw shooting, only making 11 out of 25 attempts (44.0%).

Source: wralsportsfan.com