CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Lanie Grant contributed 15 points, and Alyssa Ustby notched a double-double as No. 19 North Carolina dominated Norfolk State with a commanding 90-47 victory on Saturday.
The Tar Heels established their dominance early, holding the Spartans scoreless from the field for the last 7:23 of the first quarter, extending their lead from a slim one point to a robust 29-8 by the end of the period. Norfolk State struggled significantly, missing eight shots and committing four turnovers during that quarter.
By halftime, North Carolina had built a substantial 49-19 lead. The Spartans managed only 1 of 12 from beyond the arc and shot a mere 5 of 25 overall, while the Tar Heels displayed a strong performance, hitting 50% of their shots and making six 3-pointers.
In addition to Grant’s performance, Grace Townsend added 14 points, and Ustby contributed 10 points along with 11 rebounds. Maria Gakdeng and Lexi Donarski each scored 11 points, while Ciera Toomey added 10. For the Spartans (11-4), Diamond Johnson led with 19 points and eight rebounds, and Anjanae Richardson chipped in with 11 points.
The second half began with North Carolina scoring the first 13 points, quickly extending their lead to 52 points by the fourth quarter. Despite the defeat, Norfolk State managed to end the game on a high note with a 9-0 run in the closing moments.
The Tar Heels converted 14 3-pointers and were impressive from the free-throw line, hitting 20 out of 23 attempts. In stark comparison, Norfolk State struggled with their shooting, making just 3 of 23 from 3-point range and overall shooting 29%, along with committing 24 turnovers.
Now standing at 12-2, North Carolina will look to improve their record in Atlantic Coast Conference play as they prepare to face Miami next Saturday.