CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In an impressive display during the SEC/ACC Challenge on Thursday night, Reniya Kelly led the No. 16 North Carolina Tar Heels with 18 points and six assists, while Maria Gakdeng contributed significantly with 16 points and nine rebounds, helping the team overcome the 14th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats with a score of 72-53.

The Tar Heels quickly established dominance, initiating the game with a 14-4 lead, highlighted by Alyssa Ustby’s fifth three-pointer of the season. By halftime, North Carolina was ahead 36-25, showcasing solid defensive work that limited Kentucky to a shooting percentage of just 36%.

Although North Carolina struggled offensively at the start of the third quarter, managing only one field goal in the first five minutes, Kentucky seized the opportunity and narrowed the gap to seven points. However, the Tar Heels regained their momentum in the closing minutes of the quarter, executing five field goals to extend their lead to 50-39 entering the final quarter.

Kentucky tried to rally in the fourth, hitting their first four baskets from beyond the arc, bringing the score to 60-51 with 5:52 remaining, courtesy of Dazia Lawrence’s basket assisted by Georgia Amoore. Yet, North Carolina countered by scoring the next six points solely from the free-throw line, effectively sealing their victory.

Ustby also played a crucial role for North Carolina, finishing the night with 13 points and grabbing eight rebounds. The Tar Heels dominated the paint, outscoring Kentucky 42-10 in that area.

For Kentucky, Lawrence was the standout scorer with 17 points, while Amelia Hassett notched a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Amoore contributed ten points and eight assists. In stark contrast to her usual performance, team leading scorer Clara Strack was limited to just four points, hitting 2 out of 10 shots.

Looking ahead, North Carolina will continue its home stint to challenge Coppin State on Sunday, while Kentucky will host Queens University on Monday.