These teams are so much alike. The length, the athleticism, the speed, the tempo at which they like to play. It is little wonder they have played some close games. Including yesterday's game, the last three have been decided by a total of 6 points. Last season Miami Freshman Adrienne Motley dropped 27 points in Carmichael and led Miami to a 3 point win.
Two seasons ago, the Tar Heels won in Coral Gables in a real battle. Down 5 with 30 seconds to go, I stared at the TV hoping for some Tierra Ruffin-Pratt magic. Then senior and team leader, Tierra was known for her defensive prowess. Willed us to many a victory as the team's leader. With back to back plays on the defensive end, she tied the game. It's what a senior does. With that done, in the end it was two sophomores who delivered on the final play.
The Tar Heels went on a 7-0 run to start the game; but then Miami settled down and it was back and forth. Both teams were really efficient from long range in the first half. They combined to hit 9 of 18 three pointers. The Tar Heels had a scary moment when a Miami player fell against Stephanie Mavunga's knee under the basket sending it bending in a way it wasn't made to bend. I think I breathed maybe twice while she was out of the game. She seemed a bit uncomfortable up to that point having gone 1 of 8 from the floor; but, upon returning was 5 of 10. Another double double for her.
Stephanie Mavunga: 14 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Jessica Washington: 8 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
Another good game off the bench for Jessica Washington. She was very efficient, played within herself, took care of the ball and used her speed really well. Loved watching her out there. She made 3 of her 4 shots and they were all good takes. And I think I caught another smile. Always good to see that.
Latifah Coleman: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.theacc.com)
Kind of a tough shooting night for her; but this was a real defensive battle. North Carolina had a lot of possessions that used the entire shot clock and she ended up taking some long shots at the end of several possessions. Her defense was crucial in this one, especially at the end of the game. She spent some time on Motley lead North Carolina's pressure on the perimeter. After going 4 of 9 in the first half from 3, Miami was 3 of 11 in the 2nd.
Brittany Rountree: 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)
I love how Brittany is playing. Just a steady stream of production games for the senior. She shot so well in this game and played great on the defensive end. Miami had several changes to tie the game at the end and despite calling two timeouts were unable to even get a shot at the basket and she was a big part of that effort.
Jamie Cherry: 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)
Jamie wasn't on the court much for this one; but when she was out there she got the ball to players in scoring position and kept North Carolina on pace. Major props though because after sitting for a great deal of time, she was sent into the game at the end to be fouled. She's the team's best free-throw shooter and with North Carolina up two with 3.1 seconds to go, she entered the game to receive the inbounds pass. With 1.7 seconds to go she stepped to the line and calmly sank both free throws and sealed the win for North Carolina.
N'Dea Bryant: 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 blocks (photo from www.goheels.com)
The giant sleeps no more. N'Dea continues to come up big. It is so great to see her hard work paying off. That jump shot is a deadly weapon and she is playing strong in the post on defense. The picture above (as they all are) was from a different game of course; but pretty much describes what I mean. She nearly had a double double in this one and was a real stat stuffer.
Allisha Gray: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)
My daughter had one question at the start of this game. Is Allisha okay? She played with the flu against Wake Forest (still led UNC in scoring). Prior to the start they gave us a shot of her stretching and I saw her smile. That had to be a good sign right? She put her stamp on this game for sure. Very good all around game for our All-American. Yes I'm calling it. A couple of rough plays but probably just from trying to do too much. And her defense on Adrienne Motley at the end of the game was outstanding. She kept her from getting the ball and helped force the turnover that gave UNC the ball at the end of the game.
Up next is a game I have been dreading. Thursday night is Senior Night and unlike last season, we have some players who will be playing their last home game at North Carolina...of the regular season that is. The Tar Heels are still on pace to host during the first couple of rounds of the NCAA tournament.
But on Thursday I hope a lot of people come out to honor this outstanding group of young women. I've written about them previously. From left to right, Latifah Coleman, Brittany Rountree, Danielle Butts and Megan Buckland. (all photos from www.goheels.com)
I believe we will also be honoring Whitney Adams (left), a 6 foot 2 player who was forced to the sidelines after two seasons due to shoulder issues. Ever since she has worked as an Undergraduate Assistant for the team. She's been selected for the "So You Want to Be a Coach Program" being held in April. Also a possibility is Erika Johnson. She transferred in after playing a year for California; but had a hip injury that sidelined her this season.
I really appreciate the contributions these young women have made to the University of North Carolina Women's Basketball program. They've represented the team and the University well. I will miss them.
Until then,
Go Heels!
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