After defeating a ranked opponent for the first time in nearly two years on Friday in the U.S. Virgin Islands–a win over No. 17 South Florida that put the UNC women’s basketball team into Saturday’s Paradise Jam Championship Game–the Tar Heels came up short with it all on the line.

Kentucky defeated UNC by a score of 85-75 to improve to 7-0 this season and take home the tournament trophy.

The Tar Heels received a game-high 27 points from guard Stephanie Watts, but that would not be enough to prevent them from dropping their record to 5-2.

Leading by six points after the third quarter, UNC was outscored 31-15 in the final period–which ultimately proved to be the difference.

Shayla Bennett and Paris Kea each had 13 points for the Tar Heels, while forward Janelle Bailey contributed 12 as the team’s fourth–and final–player in double figures.

Up Next:

A trip to Columbus awaits head coach Sylvia Hatchell and company, who will face Ohio State on Thursday as part of the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. That game is set to tip off at 7 p.m.

 

FINAL BOX SCORE

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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