Tar Heels drop in AP women’s Top 25 after escaping Davidson’s upset bid

Carolina fell one spot to No. 17 in the AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll after a narrow victory over Davidson on Sunday. UNC (2–0), which beat Gardner-Webb 102–49 on Wednesday and escaped with a 74–70 win Sunday over upstart Davidson, is back in Carmichael Arena at 11 a.m. Wednesday to face Hampton (0–1), which lost 76–46 at Providence.

No. 16 Heels fend off Davidson’s upset bid with huge late rebounds

CHAPEL HILL — After taking down Wake Forest the day before, Davidson came to Carolina confidently determined to challenge another ACC team. The Wildcats gave No. 16 UNC their best shot with superior rebounding and 10 3-pointers. But the Tar Heels got the huge rebounds they needed in the final 18 seconds to hold on for a 74–70 victory Sunday night at Carmichael Arena.

Gakdeng settling into UNC’s system as No. 16 Heels face better opponent in Davidson

North Carolina’s No. 16-ranked women’s basketball team faces the toughest of four non-conference home opponents to start the season on Sunday. But Davidson will also be playing on consecutive days, and must deal with the inside challenge of going up against junior Boston College transfer center Maria Gakdeng.

Another Adams double-double, stat-stuffing effort in Rutgers win; Todd-Williams’ No. 12 Ole Miss team loses

Going home is working out very well so far for Destiny Adams. Adams collected 17 points, 10 rebounds, a career-high five assists, five steals and three blocks (tying her career-high) for a 26.0 game score in 24 minutes as Rutgers rolled to an 86–43 home victory Thursday night over Wagner.

Disruptive defense, deep bench fuel No. 16 Heels’ opening-night rout

CHAPEL HILL — On the 30th anniversary season of North Carolina’s only women’s basketball national championship, the latest edition of the Tar Heels showed why they are a contender to earn a second one.

Much-anticipated season finally starts for talented UNC women

The most anticipated UNC women’s basketball season in years is finally about to start. With six former five-star recruits and five former four-star recruits on a roster that includes a mix of youth and experience, Coach Courtney Banghart has laid out plenty of challenges in non-conference play.

Love, Todd-Williams headline 11 former Tar Heels playing for other colleges

Two stars who started for their Carolina teams — guard Caleb Love and wing Kennedy Todd-Williams — headline 11 former Tar Heels who will play for other colleges this season. Love’s Arizona Wildcats and Todd-Williams’ Ole Miss Rebels are each ranked No. 12, and both quickly bonded with their new teammates on overseas trips last summer.

Nivar happily said yes to second chance to play for UNC after season at Stanford

CHAPEL HILL — Upon further review, the call was reversed. No, this wasn’t a referee overturning a call. Indya Nivar overturned her decision 17 months earlier as a senior five-star recruit at Apex Friendship High School, where she was Ms. North Carolina Basketball, state Gatorade Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American.

Deja Kelly, Ustby Preseason All-ACC first team; UNC picked third

UNC senior co-captains Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby made the Preseason All-ACC Team announced Thursday, with Iowa State transfer guard Lexi Donarski making the Newcomer Watch List.

Phillips puts positive spin on latest expansion despite new schools bringing little to marquee sports

CHARLOTTE — After the second consecutive ACC expansion that UNC, among others, opposed, commissioner Jim Phillips did his best Wednesday to present the additions of Stanford, Cal and SMU next summer in a positive light.