Despite UNC going the final 3:34 of regulation without a point and losing an eight-point lead in the final minutes, the Tar Heels did just enough in overtime to beat Syracuse 77-71 in overtime Sunday at Carmichael Arena. It’s UNC’s fourth straight win.
After the teams went into halftime tied at 34-34, UNC opened up what would be its largest lead of the day late in the third quarter at 57-48. The 7-0 run to take the nine-point advantage was capped a fast-break layup from Nyla Harris, who was on her way to her best performance as a Tar Heel.
UNC appeared ready to pull away when it led 68-60 with 3:34 remaining, but Syracuse capitalized on several Carolina turnovers to claw its way back into the game. The Orange’s last six points of regulation all came on free throws, and Syracuse even had two shots to win inside the final 10 seconds.
After Carolina escaped to overtime, the Tar Heels used a Lanie Grant jumper and an and-one layup from Harris to stretch their lead back out to five points, then held on from there as shot after shot from the Orange went begging. Syracuse attempted six three-pointers in the overtime period and missed all of them. In fact, the Orange missed 32 of their final 37 shots in the final 16:28 of game time.
Harris finished the day with season highs in both points (21) and rebounds (11) to pace the UNC offense. Grant added 17 on 6-10 shooting, including 5-7 on threes. Reniya Kelly scored 11 points to notch her fourth consecutive game in double figures. All of that was enough to offset a tremendous game from Syracuse center Uche Izoje, who scored a game-high 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. The Orange finished with 19 offensive rebounds, but could only convert those into 10 second-chance points.
UNC is now 17-5 overall and 6-3 in ACC play after its four-game winning streak. The Tar Heels are tied with the Orange in the conference standings, but now hold the critical head-to-head tiebreaker. Up next, Carolina will travel to Raleigh to face NC State at Reynolds Coliseum Monday, February 2 at 6 p.m. UNC is seeking its first road win against the Wolfpack under head coach Courtney Banghart.
Featured image via UNC Women’s Basketball on Twitter
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹
No More Coal? Chapel Hill Prepares for Hearing on UNC's Co-Gen Plant and Potential New Fuel SourceChapel Hill Town Hall will host a hearing on Thursday to take comments on a potential alternative fuel source for UNC's cogeneration plant.
UNC Making Progress on Reducing Emissions, But Coal Replacement Still Far Off at Steam PlantDuring a recent panel updating where UNC stands in those efforts, sustainability officials pointed to improvements in overall and energy-specific emissions rates – but detailed the challenges of moving entirely away from using coal in the short-term.
![]()
Energy Crunch Hits Global Recovery as Winter ApproachesWritten by DAVID McHUGH, COLLEEN BARRY, JOE McDONALD and TATIANA POLLASTRI Power shortages are turning out streetlights and shutting down factories in China. The poor in Brazil are choosing between paying for food or electricity. German corn and wheat farmers can’t find fertilizer, made using natural gas. And fears are rising that Europe will have […]
![]()
Stroman On Sports: "The Power To Change The World"Big-time sports has a big-time impact, far beyond the playing field.
![]()
Higher Education Contributes Over $60 Billion to NCHigher Education Institutions across North Carolina contribute over $60 billion to the state’s economy, according to a new study. Don Hobart, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at UNC, says the flagship university’s impact on the economy is felt across the Tar Heel state. “UNC-Chapel Hill actually represents around $7.1 billion. That’s both the university and […]
![]()
UNC Program Promotes Energy Awareness Among Local HS StudentsThis week the Institute is hosting 28 local high school students who will spend a week on the campus of UNC exploring topics related to current energy use, climate change, alternative energy and sustainability as part of the Climate Leadership and Energy Awareness Program (Climate LEAP).
![]()
Parking, Water, Beer, Business, And Education!A new parking lot downtown, a new manufacturer in Mebane, and new honors for UNC and CHCCS. And more.
![]()
Chilton, OCRCC Among Honorees At Chamber MtgThe Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce honored businesses and community leaders at its annual meeting Thursday.
UNC System Cuts Energy/Water Costs By 20/40%President Tom Ross says the schools are making small changes to save big.
UNC Women's Basketball Outlasts Syracuse in Overtime for 4th Consecutive WinDespite UNC going the final 3:34 of regulation without a point and losing an eight-point lead in the final minutes, the Tar Heels did just enough in overtime to beat Syracuse 77-71 in overtime Sunday at Carmichael Arena. It’s UNC’s fourth straight win. 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗖 𝗛𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦 🩵@WellsFargo x #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/JxzP6hDOxf — Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) January […]
›
