From start to finish, the Virginia Cavaliers dominated the UNC women’s basketball team Thursday night in Charlottesville–defeating the Tar Heels 82-70 at John Paul Jones Arena.

Five players scored in double figures for Virginia (14-7, 7-1 ACC)–including 19 from Aliyah Huland El–as the Cavaliers led by as many as 13 points in the first quarter and took a 15-point lead into the halftime break.

UNC (14-7, 4-4 ACC) received a team-high 21 points from freshman forward Janelle Bailey and 18 points from junior guard Paris Kea. However,  the duo needed 36 shots to do their damage–as the Virginia defense held the Tar Heels to just 42 percent shooting for the game.

Freshman guard Leah Church pulled UNC within four points midway through the second quarter, but Virginia responded with a 14-2 run that provide plenty of cushion to survive the rest of the way.

A strong fourth-quarter effort saw the Tar Heels cut the deficit to 78-70. It would not be enough, though, to complete the comeback.

Up Next:

After taking this weekend off, UNC returns to the court next Thursday when it visits No. 5 Notre Dame. Tip-off for that game is set for 7 p.m.

 

FINAL BOX SCORE

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

 

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