The No. 22 UNC women’s basketball team earned its second consecutive conference win of the season Thursday evening, using a massive fourth-quarter to defeat Virginia 70-59.

The Tar Heels entered the quarter trailing 51-42, but outscored the Cavaliers 28-8 in the final 10 minutes to earn the win. That included a 22-2 run in the game’s final 6:29 and a 9-0 run in the final 1:52. Junior guard Kennedy Todd-Williams scored 11 of her career-high 21 total points in the quarter as Carolina shot 9-17 (52.9 percent), a welcome sight for a team which still hasn’t shot 50 percent or better in an ACC game this season.

Todd-Williams’ 21 points were matched by Deja Kelly, who reached the 20 point plateau for the third time in the last five games. UNC’s “Big Three” of Kelly, Todd-Williams and Alyssa Ustby (15 points on 7-12 shooting) were able to overcome an off night from Eva Hodgson, who didn’t score a point in 26 minutes. It’s the second consecutive game the transfer from William & Mary has been held scoreless. Hodgson has scored just 14 points in her last four games combined.

With Hodgson cold, Carolina made only six three-pointers on the night, though freshman Paulina Paris knocked down a key one with 1:52 remaining to give the Tar Heels a five-point lead. Paris is averaging 10.8 points per game in her last four games and was once again head coach Courtney Banghart’s top option off the bench.

UNC’s sensational followed a third quarter which was just as bad, in which Carolina lost a halftime lead, trailed by as many as 11 points and were outscored 24-12. The Tar Heels made just four shots in those 10 minutes, but found their offense in the nick of time.

After playing three of its last four games on the road, Carolina now begins a critical three-game homestand that could define its season. No. 11 NC State visits Carmichael Arena on Sunday afternoon, followed by No. 16 Duke on Thursday, January 19 and Georgia Tech on Sunday, January 22. The two rivalry games will provide UNC with chances to add more ranked wins to its resume, which already includes three such victories. Tip-off with the Wolfpack is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Ainsley Fauth

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