Game 24: North Carolina

Today marks the end of the tough portion of our ACC schedule as we close out a four-game stretch that featured Duke, Virginia and Georgia Tech, all of which we can't stand. A win today puts us in the driver's seat for the ACC Regular Season title and #1 seed in the ACC Tournament.

North Carolina enters the game 17-2 and 4-0 in the conference. Their two losses are to UConn and Tennessee both of which came on the road. They just played Monday and blew a big lead to UConn so I have no idea what their psyche will be. They beat Georgia Tech by 21 and BC by 26.

Carolina likes to play fast. Their style is get the ball and go. They want to take 100 shots a game. We need to slow them down. On defense, they love to trap, so we have to stay in the middle of the court and get the ball to the open person. Something we didn't do well against GT. Sylvia just lets them do what they want and that's why they don't win titles.

UNC averages 89.4 points per game, while only allowing 61.5. They outrebound opponents by 10.7 per game. They average 7.5 blocks per game and 14 steals. The only thing they don't do well is shoot 3s and take care of the ball.

The Tar Heels are led by Erlana Larkins. Even though she is third in scoring, everything goes through her. She sets screens, she rebounds, plays defense, scores and shows emotion all with a broken hand. If we can shut her down or take her out of the offense, we will win this game. Rashanda McCants is the leading scorer and shot taker. She loves to use her athleticism to get by you. She will shoot jumpers and the three ball, which she shoots at 31.3%. She uses her length to get steals and rebounds. LaToya Pringle is next on the team in scoring. Like McCants she uses her athleticism, but doesn't take 3s. She leads the team in blocked shots. The new Ivory Latta is Cetera DeGraffenreid. She's fast, she has the attitude, but doesn't shoot that well from 3. The fifth starter is Heather Claytor and she is mainly a three-point threat. She sits out there and spots up for three. Jessica Breland is the post player off the bench. She's another long player, who can block shots and rebound. Italee Lucas is the back up PG and sometimes two guard. She also is not a great three-point shooter. The best three-point shooter is Rebecca Gray at 39.6%.

Essentially, Carolina's roster is filled with the same player so even if one goes out their clone comes in. They love to attack the hoop and create contact. We must box out and keep them off the boards. If we don't do that it will be a long afternoon. Kristi needs to get out of her slump against the smaller player and Marah must take advantage of her match up too. I don't know what defense we will play as a zone will expose us rebounding wise and we may not have the right match ups for man-to-man.

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