CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a dominant display, Maria Gakdeng contributed 10 points as No. 16 North Carolina cruised to a 72-46 victory over Coppin State on Sunday, with a total of 12 players finding the score sheet.
Gakdeng was efficient for the Tar Heels (9-1), hitting 5 out of 6 attempts from the field. Reniya Kelly also showcased her shooting skills, successfully landing both of her three-point attempts. Meanwhile, teammates Alyssa Ustby, Lexi Donarski, and Indya Nivar contributed shots from long range, helping North Carolina secure a 23-13 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Donarski continued her hot shooting, making both of her attempts from beyond the arc. The bench players stepped up as well, with Laila Hull and Ciera Toomey each connecting from three-point territory, allowing North Carolina to extend their lead to 46-27 by halftime. The Tar Heels displayed excellent shooting, finishing the first half with an impressive 56.7% rate and hitting 9 of 13 from three-point distance, which is 69.2%. At the break, Donarski and Coppin State’s Tiffany Hammond tied for the lead in scoring with nine points each.
During the third quarter, Angel Jones contributed five points for the Eagles, as they matched the Tar Heels with 14 points. However, North Carolina surged ahead in the final quarter, outscoring Coppin State 12-5.
Hammond and Jones were the top scorers for the Eagles (6-5), each finishing with 12 points. Laila Lawrence also made a significant impact, recording a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, marking her seventh of the season. Coppin State remains winless against North Carolina, now holding an 0-5 record in their all-time series.
Looking ahead, North Carolina is set to host UNC Greensboro on Wednesday, while Coppin State will be on the road to face George Washington on the same day.
