The UNC women’s basketball team made quite the statement on Friday afternoon, as it defeated the No. 17 South Florida Bulls 71-69 at the Paradise Jam Tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

After struggling against top competition in recent years, the Tar Heels (5-1) now have a win over a ranked opponent they can boast on this season’s resume.

UNC had not beaten a ranked opponent since it knocked off No. 18 NC State back in January of 2017.

Guard Stephanie Watts led the charge with a team-high 24 points, including 18 during the first half to give the Tar Heels a 35-31 lead at the break.

UNC also received 14 points in the game from both sophomore forward Janelle Bailey and senior guard Paris Kea.

Bailey was instrumental in a hot start to the second half, which saw the Tar Heels make 10 of their first 11 shots.

With five minutes left in the game, UNC led by 12 points but USF battled back down the stretch to make the final score a bit closer.

As a result, the Tar Heels now have a signature victory already as they look to make a grand re-entrance to the NCAA Tournament later this season.

Up Next:

Now UNC will face undefeated Kentucky (6-0) in the Paradise Jam finals on Saturday at 1 p.m.

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

Related Stories
‹
Kentucky Tops UNC Women's Basketball in Paradise Jam Finals
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 […]
Women's Basketball: UNC Crushes UCLA 83-49 in Paradise Jam Opener
Five different players scored in double figures for the UNC women’s basketball team on Thursday, as the Tar Heels put together a dominant performance in an 83-49 win over the UCLA Bruins. The game was the first of three games in three days for UNC, which is in the U.S. Virgin Islands participating in the […]
Paradise Jam Schedule Released for UNC Women's Basketball
As part of the 2018 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam this upcoming November, the UNC women’s basketball team will take on Kentucky, South Florida and UCLA. The specific dates and times of those matchups were released on Thursday, with the four teams set to compete in a three-game round-robin tournament to determine a tournament winner. […]
Paradise Jam Announces 2018 Women's Basketball Tournament Field, Tar Heels Included
A trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands awaits the UNC women’s basketball team next season, as it was announced Friday that head coach Sylvia Hatchell and the Tar Heels will be a part of the 2018 Paradise Jam Tournament. The event will be held over Thanksgiving weekend from Nov. 22-24 at the University of the Virgin […]
UNC Women's Basketball Falters in 2nd Half in Blowout Loss at Notre Dame
Notre Dame outscored UNC 40-23 in the second half to blow open a close game in South Bend Sunday afternoon and beat the Tar Heels 73-50. It’s Carolina’s second straight loss and its largest margin of defeat since the end of the 2023-24 season. UNC had hung tough for much of the first half, trailing […]
Where the UNC Basketball Programs Stand as 2026 Starts — Stroman On Sports (Jan. 9, 2026)
With both UNC basketball programs coming off losses early in conference play, Debby Stroman discusses the narratives around both teams.
UNC Women's Basketball at Notre Dame (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
The Tar Heels will visit Notre Dame this weekend for a marquee ACC matchup. UNC is seeking its second straight win in South Bend after defeating the Irish in 2024. Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the radio can do so at 97.9 FM and 1360 AM, or by streaming the radio broadcast on chapelboro.com. 97.9 The […]
Stanford Overcomes Late Deficit, Defeats UNC Women's Basketball in Overtime
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 […]
UNC Women's Basketball vs. Stanford (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC will look to extend its winning streak to five games when it hosts Stanford at Carmichael Arena Sunday afternoon. It will be the first visit the Cardinal have made to Chapel Hill as an ACC foe. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule […]
UNC Women's Basketball Pulls Away in 2nd Half to Beat Cal
UNC rang in the New Year by outscoring Cal 39-21 in the second half to beat the Bears 71-55 at Carmichael Arena Thursday afternoon. Rang in the New Year on Top! 🎉@WellsFargo x #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/uarQft6Opf — Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) January 1, 2026 The Tar Heels led 9-0 inside the first three minutes, but Cal […]
›