Elina Aarnisalo set a new career high with 22 points to help UNC beat No. 12 Duke 74-69 at Carmichael Arena Sunday afternoon in the final game of the regular season.
The Tar Heels overcame a slow start in the win, as Carolina had only scored three points in the game’s first six minutes and trailed 10-3. Aarnisalo and Nyla Harris would help resuscitate the offense, scoring each of UNC’s final 10 points of the first quarter and cutting the deficit to 14-13. Despite taking its first lead of the game in the second quarter, Carolina trailed 31-29 at halftime.
UNC made more headway in the third quarter, taking its largest lead to that point at 44-38 after a three-pointer from Aarnisalo. The UCLA transfer made three threes in the period, including one to beat the buzzer and give Carolina a 52-47 lead entering the final 10 minutes.
The Tar Heels had to withstand a push from the Blue Devils in the fourth quarter, as Duke outscored UNC 13-6 across the first 5:07 to take a 60-59 lead. Carolina would only make one more shot from the field for the rest of the game, but the Tar Heels made good on several trips to the free throw line. Aarnisalo and Harris combined to score the next eight Tar Heel points, flipping the scoreboard back Carolina’s way at 67-61. Duke would cut that deficit to three points at multiple instances, but UNC’s free throw shooting came through in the clutch to keep the Blue Devils at bay. The Tar Heels finished 20-27 at the foul line for the afternoon after not shooting any free throws in their loss in Durham less than a month ago.
Harris finished with 19 points and seven rebounds on her senior day, helping Carolina win the rebounding battle 45-33. Indya Nivar, also celebrating senior day, scored nine points, grabbed seven rebounds and added five steals and two assists.
Sunday’s win is UNC’s fifth straight in Chapel Hill against Duke. Carolina finishes the regular season with a 25-6 overall record and a 14-4 mark in ACC play. The team’s 14 ACC wins are its most in a regular season under head coach Courtney Banghart.
The Tar Heels will be the No. 3 seed in the ACC Tournament, which begins next week in Duluth, GA. Carolina’s first game is scheduled for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. against an opponent to be determined later.
Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Anthony Sorbellini
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