Stanford scored the final four points of regulation and then outscored UNC 12-6 in overtime to beat the Tar Heels 77-71 at Carmichael Arena Sunday. It’s UNC’s second home overtime loss of the season.
Carolina had held the lead since using a 9-0 run in the second quarter to take a 30-23 advantage. The Tar Heels led 34-29 at halftime and, despite the lead being whittled down to just one point, 54-50 entering the fourth quarter. But the UNC offense dried up in the final period, as the Tar Heels shot just 3-11 from the field and 5-9 at the free throw line in the final 10 minutes. Stanford pounced on the opportunity to rally, overcoming a 63-59 deficit with 3:57 to go to tie the game at 65-65 in the final minute. The Cardinal could have won the game in regulation but missed a layup as time expired.
UNC took a brief lead at the start of the overtime period on a Lanie Grant free throw and tied the game at 69-69 with 2:11 left, but Stanford scored the next six points to pull away and seal the comeback win. A Nyla Harris layup was Carolina’s only made basket of the extra session. As a team, UNC missed 12 of its final 16 shots across the final 15 minutes of action.
Harris led the Tar Heels with 18 points, while Ciera Toomey (16) and Elina Aarnisalo (12) also reached double figures. UNC finished just 18-30 at the free throw line (Stanford was 15-18) and lost the rebounding battle 40-28. The Cardinal grabbed 11 offensive rebounds, including five in the fourth quarter alone, which resulted in nine second-chance points. The Stanford bench also outscored the UNC bench 26-11.
Sunday’s loss drops UNC to 13-4 overall and 2-2 in ACC play. The Tar Heels will be back in action when they visit No. 18 Notre Dame next Sunday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m.
Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati
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