No. 7 UNC women roll behind Kelly, Hodgson, with games about to get tougher again

CHAPEL HILL — After a challenging 22 days between home games with three ranked opponents, No. 7 North Carolina returned to Carmichael Arena and dominated three overmatched non-conference opponents. The Tar Heels (9–1) trailed for 18 seconds and forced 58 turnovers in the three games as they tuned up before the schedule gets significantly more challenging. With the sort of dynamic guard play they got from Deja Kelly and Eva Hodgson on Friday, they’ll be more than up for the task.

Love calls Nickel most confident shooter on UNC team

CHAPEL HILL — If you ask Armando Bacot or most Carolina fans which Tar Heel is the most confident shooter, the consistent answer would be Caleb Love. Love, however, would beg to differ. He gives that honor to freshman Tyler Nickel. “He’s got the most confidence on the team,” Love said after the 100–67 win Tuesday over The Citadel. “He thinks every shot is going in.”

Tar Heels in NBA: Anthony keeps producing off bench for surging Magic; Barnes, Bullock, White each score 12

Cole Anthony keeps producing efficient minutes off the bench, and Orlando keeps winning, something the third-year pro hasn’t seen much of with the Magic. Anthony contributed 13 points, five rebounds and six assists while playing good defense in 20 minutes as Orlando rolled to a 135–124 home victory Wednesday night over the Atlanta Hawks for their first four-game win streak since his rookie season.

No. 7 UNC women navigate through injury challenges in their 8–1 start

The 8–1 start for Carolina’s No. 7-ranked women’s basketball team while facing three ranked teams is even more impressive considering the many injury issues the Tar Heels have had to overcome. So many players were dealing with physical issues that the team’s scrimmage on Oct. 7 at Live Action With Carolina Basketball became four-on-four. Its scheduled closed home scrimmage against No. 1 and reigning national champion South Carolina was deferred until next season.

Carolina rolls with season-high 15 3s, including late biscuits-winner

CHAPEL HILL — As Michael Jordan says in the pregame video, “This is Carolina basketball.” For the first time this season, North Carolina dominated an opponent thoroughly, thanks to season-high totals of 15 3-pointers and 24 assists, and it looked like what fans traditionally expect. A Hall of Fame coach likes to say it looks better when the ball goes in the basket. It does, and it did against The Citadel.