It seemed like Sunday came way too fast. After a completely lazy day on Saturday, I had to get up and get us ready to check out of our room by 11:00. Insert sad face. Breakfast (at the hotel's restaurant) and checkout went smoothly.
We decided to spend the time between check out and game time (3:00) enjoying an activity at Broadway at the Beach. We thought about Wonderworks; but found it probably wouldn't be a good value for my son. So we drove around the area to the Ripley's Aquarium.
My children love stuff like this and it's educational too. My daughter especially loves hands on one on one learning. She'll talk to staff at museums and aquariums and such for as long as they answer back. My son loves to learn as well; so I usually aim for him to learn 2 new things on these visits. On this one he learned about the Hammer Head shark and the Saw fish. His favorite thing to learn about on this trip though was the horseshoe crab.
After the aquarium we went for a late lunch and made our way back to the Convention Center about 30 minutes before game time.
We were in our seats in time to watch both teams warm up. I could tell the Elon Phoenix were pumped for this one. They were motivated to try to get this upset win for their coach, UNC All-American Charlotte Smith. We waited for game time and I took a few shots. This free throw practice paid off. They shot very well from the charity stripe during the game.
It wasn't long before the National Anthem was performed (by a very talented young lady) and it was time for starting lineups. I was excited to see how we would perform really hoping for a fast start and I was looking forward to seeing Charlotte Smith's Elon team.
We had another great start in this one. But Elon soon got going as well. The first half was like a shootout with 11 three-pointers made between both teams (6 for UNC, 5 for Elon). North Carolina did build a double digit lead; but Elon was able to work the ball to the corners to shooters to close to within 3 points by halftime. The score was 46 to 43 North Carolina. I sat there thinking they play like their Coach knows UNC inside and out. And of course she does.
So as the 2nd half started, my daughter looked at me with the most serious face and said, "It's the 2nd half. It is time to take them down." Okay then dear. I'm sure they will come out and play well. They did. They started out with a 10-0 run. I remember texting a friend a little later telling her we'd outscored them 26-10 so far that half. Even though our friends in the black and white shirts were a bit more involved than I ever like, it was a good win. UNC cooled off a little in the 2nd half as the starters didn't play as much. They as a group were 23 of 43 from the field. Xylina (McDaniel) in particular played some inspired basketball on both ends of the floor. I can just hope that the injury she suffered isn't too serious.
Xylina McDaniel: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
In just 20 minutes of action, Xylina put up these numbers. Limited by some foul trouble throughout the game, she stayed aggressive using a variety of moves to get to the basket and profiting from the free-throw line where she was perfect on the day.
Stephanie Mavunga: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
Hard work paid off for sure. Stephanie was (as usual) active without the ball, posting and reposting, coming out to the perimeter on defense, whatever had to be done. And that resulted in some great numbers for 26 minutes on the floor. It represented the balance inside and out on offense for the Tar Heels. Four of five starters were in double figures. The fifth starter had 9 points.
Brittany Rountree: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Brittany started the scoring for UNC hitting a three-pointer right off the bat in UNC's first possession. She made 3 of them in the game and with 5 assists was involved in at least 10 additional points for UNC. I was glad as well to see her minutes increase. She had 27 in this one and looks to be feeling better.
Latifah Coleman: 15 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
It was a really productive weekend for Latifah. Always a monster on defense, I love how aggressive she has been offensively this season. It had been she would break out only if one of the other players was limited somehow; but now she's got a great mix of getting buckets and getting buckets for others.
Allisha Gray: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Leading scorer, Allisha Gray is a model of consistency and efficiency. That 20 points is about her average and 5 of 9 from the field is pretty typical. She makes it look easy; but I know it isn't. But you can definitely see how the Coaching Staff started calling her Vegas because she's money. It's getting hard to find the words to describe her sometimes.
Danielle Butts: 7 points, 2 rebound, 1 steal (Associated Press photo)
She's a highlight reel. Really! I mean you look at the box score and see two field goals; but those of us who were there will tell you these were two of the most memorable field goals in the game. A spin move to a jumper and a layup on a fast break that left us wondering how she even caught the basketball.
It was a great time in Myrtle Beach. I could have used about a week down there. I'm really glad we went to support the team after we (personally) missed the Oregon State game. And they were grateful for the support. They took a moment to wave to us and say "Thank you" at the end of both games. Coach has already said next year is a go and they've secured one game with Mississippi State and just need one more. I hope it's on a weekend.
The players and staff are on a well earned break. On the 30th they'll be back in Chapel Hill for a afternoon game against Albany, a team UNC played in the 2013 NCAA tournament.
Until then and always...Go Heels!
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