Despite 24 points from Preseason All-ACC selection Paris Kea, the UNC women’s basketball was upset by Hampton 70-66 on Friday afternoon at Carmichael Arena in what was the season opener for both teams.
The Lady Pirates shot an incredible 11-for-24 from behind the three-point line to help fuel the victory, including 25 points–and seven three-pointers–from Monnazjea Finney-Smith.
It was the 11th victory for Hampton over a power conference team in the last nine seasons, as head coach David Six’s squad proved they were more than capable of competing at a high level.
In addition to Kea’s 24 points, six assists and six steals, the Tar Heels received stellar efforts from a pair of freshmen in their first college game.
Jocelyn Jones poured in 14 points, while classmate Janelle Bailey chipped in 12 of her own for head coach Sylvia Hatchell.
Unfortunately for Hatchell, it would not be enough to hold off Hampton down the stretch–as she watched her Tar Heels let a 59-52 lead slip away during the final stages of the fourth quarter.
Long range shooting was the key for the visitors all game long, especially when the Lady Pirates erased, and then took, that lead in a matter of 72 seconds with a trio of clutch three-pointers.
Jones helped UNC pull back in front briefly, 65-63, but Hampton ultimately reeled off a 7-1 run to finish off the upset.
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The Tar Heels will remain in Chapel Hill to face Colorado on Sunday. That game is scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m.
Photo via Jeffrey A. Camarati (UNC Athletics)
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