CHAPEL HILL–The No. 10 Tar Heel women’s basketball team will open up its ACC campaign with a stern home test Sunday at 3 p.m. against the No. 8 Maryland Terrapins.

It will be the final time Carolina and Maryland face off as members of the ACC. Maryland departs the conference for the Big Ten next season.

12-2 Carolina escaped 74-71 against James Madison on Thursday while 12-1 Maryland is coming off a 103-51 drubbing of College of Charleston.

Associate Head Coach Andrew Calder says he understands the extreme physicality Maryland brings to the floor, but he is more concerned with the Tar Heels playing up to their ability level.

“Maryland is very good and a very well coached team. They are extremely physical, a great rebounding team – No. 1 rebounding team in the country. We’re more concerned about ourselves, even though we’re very concerned about Maryland. We’ll give them a scouting report on that. We just want to play our game,” Coach Calder says.

Sophomore forward Xylina McDaniel says she’s excited for the atmosphere Sunday inside Carmichael Arena.

“I’m really excited because we are only playing them one time. They’re leaving the ACC, and we get to play them at home. I’m excited for that. I’m ready for our fans to come in and hype us up,” McDaniel says.

The game will be televised nationally on ESPNU and broadcast on 97.9 FM, WCHL at 3 p.m. Sunday.