CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In an exciting matchup on Sunday, Alyssa Ustby delivered a strong performance, scoring 17 points, including 12 crucial points during an impressive second-half comeback, leading the 19th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels to an 80-67 victory over Boston College.
After entering halftime down by three, North Carolina showcased a remarkable shooting percentage of 59% in the third quarter, outscoring the Eagles 23-12. Ustby was pivotal in this turnaround, contributing eight points on 4-for-7 shooting in that period. The Tar Heels expanded their lead further with an 11-1 surge at the start of the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the game.
Alongside Ustby’s standout performance, Reniya Kelly added 14 points to the scoreboard, while freshman Lanie Grant made an impact with 12 points off the bench for North Carolina, bringing their overall record to 15-3 and 3-2 in the ACC. Ustby also registered four rebounds and four assists, finishing the game with an impressive shooting mark of 8-for-13, including 6 of 9 in the second half.
T’yana Todd emerged as the leading scorer for Boston College with 18 points, supported by Dontavia Waggoner’s 15 points. Additionally, reserves Savannah Samuel and Andrea Daley contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Eagles, who fell to 10-8 and 1-4 in the ACC, now enduring a four-game losing streak.
Boston College started the game sluggishly with eight turnovers and a shooting rate of just 36% in the first quarter, finishing it down 21-16. However, the Eagles staged a comeback with an 11-3 run in the early stages of the second quarter, shooting 60% and scoring 24 points while only committing two turnovers during that period. This effort propelled them to a 40-37 lead at the break.
Historically, North Carolina holds an advantage in the series against Boston College, leading it 17-5 overall, including an 8-2 record at home in Chapel Hill.
Looking ahead, both teams will be on the road for their next games on Thursday, with North Carolina traveling to face SMU and Boston College heading to Miami.
