Tag: NCAA tournament

Ustby, UNC’s defense shine in final home game as Heels earn 19th Sweet 16 berth

CHAPEL HILL — Alyssa Ustby stood on top of the scorer’s table, celebrating with the fans after she made her last home game — 1,580 days after her first — one to remember. It wasn’t always pretty, but it sure was sweet for No. 3-seed North Carolina, thanks to suffocating defense in the fourth quarter.

Donarski, UNC’s press lower boom on Oregon State as Ustby makes program history

CHAPEL HILL — If there was ever any chance that Oregon State could pull the upset, graduate UNC guard Lexi Donarski shot them down — repeatedly — on a day that Alyssa Ustby became the program’s all-time leading rebounder. Donarski was the catalyst in delivering a third-quarter knockout with five 3-pointers as the No. 3-seed Tar Heels turned a two-point halftime lead into a thumping and coasted to a 70–49 victory over the No. 14-seed Beavers in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Carmichael Arena.

Ustby revels in chance to play again in Carmichael after senior day heartbreak

CHAPEL HILL — When Alyssa Ustby didn’t hear her name called on senior day against Virginia in Carmichael Arena, she was heartbroken. The graduate forward had waited five years for the moment. But an injury against N.C. State on Feb. 16 derailed that opportunity. Ustby had to have surgery on her left knee, forcing her to miss the last four games of the season.

Heels dominant on both ends, roll by San Diego State

DAYTON, Ohio — It’s hard to stop this North Carolina team when it’s locked in, even against a highly touted defense. The Tar Heels rolled in and out of the First Four with a dominating effort, dispatching San Diego State 95–68 in a battle of No. 11 seeds Tuesday at the UD Arena, with peak-level RJ Davis and another impressive game from point guard Elliot Cadeau.

UNC’s 54th NCAA tournament appearance will start in First Four

North Carolina’s non-conference strength of schedule ultimately was enough to get the Tar Heels into the NCAA tournament field. In the program’s 54th appearance they’ll play in the First Four. UNC (22–13) will meet San Diego State on Wednesday at 9 p.m. (truTV) for the right to advance to Milwaukee on Friday to meet No. 6-seed Ole Miss (22–11). If UNC wins that round of 64 game, it would play on Sunday against the winner of the game between No. 3-seed Iowa State (24–9) and No. 14-seed Lipscomb (25–9).

UNC shows heart, finds offense but banner season ends

OMAHA, Neb. — North Carolina showed plenty of heart after falling behind by six runs and shook off its offensive funk, but it wasn’t enough to extend the Tar Heels’ stay in Omaha. In likely his career-finale, center fielder Vance Honeycutt had three hits — including a two-run homer that gave UNC life — in a 9–5 loss to Florida State at Charles Schwab Field Omaha to end the Heels’ Men’s College World Series run.

Forbes securing transfers, seeking others while trying to lead UNC to national title

OMAHA, Neb. — North Carolina coach Scott Forbes got his fourth Tar Heels team to the Men’s College World Series, thanks in no small part to working the transfer portal. Three of his regular position players and two of his starting pitchers transferred to UNC last offseason. Knowing that up to seven regular starters will finish their careers in Omaha, Forbes has already begun luring another talented transfer class while trying to win a national championship.