CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a challenging matchup, the No. 19 North Carolina Tar Heels emerged victorious against No. 14 Duke, winning 53-46 after a thrilling overtime period on Thursday night. Alyssa Ustby contributed significantly to the win, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while the Tar Heels capitalized on their free throw opportunities, converting 10 of 14 attempts in the extra period. The game was particularly dramatic after North Carolina allowed a substantial 16-point lead to erode during the second half.
The overtime started with Duke scoring the initial three points. However, Blanca Thomas quickly responded by sinking three free throws, setting the stage for Lexi Donarski to hit a pivotal 3-pointer, pushing the Tar Heels ahead at 46-43. North Carolina then extended their lead by converting three additional free throws. In the closing seconds, Ashlon Jackson managed a 3-pointer for Duke, narrowing the gap to 49-46 with just 42 seconds remaining.
To secure their win, Lanie Grant and Reniya Kelly each sank two free throws, sealing the fate of the contest for the Tar Heels. Grant finished the game with nine points, achieving a perfect 7 of 7 from the free throw line, and Kelly added eight points to North Carolina’s effort (14-3, 2-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference). Despite their victory, the Tar Heels struggled offensively, shooting only 32% from the field and committing a season-high 26 turnovers.
Duke’s Jackson led her team with 10 points. The game, while exhilarating, was not characterized by stellar offensive performance from either team. Duke managed only 22% shooting and committed 10 turnovers, while North Carolina shot at a mere 21% and recorded 11 turnovers in the opening half, which concluded with a 16-16 deadlock. The Tar Heels surged at the beginning of the second half, initiating a commanding 16-0 run and doubling their first-half score with an impressive 6 of 7 shooting.
Duke struggled significantly, missing their first 14 shots in the third quarter, which extended their dry spell to a total of 16 consecutive misses while also facing five turnovers. North Carolina built an eight-point lead in the fourth before the Blue Devils rallied back, scoring seven points, with Reigan Richardson hitting a crucial 3-pointer that tied the game at 38 with just 3:38 left on the clock. Kelly responded with a jumper, and Jackson converted two free throws, but both teams squandered further scoring chances in the final moments of the game.
Looking ahead, North Carolina is set to host Boston College, while Duke will make their way to Virginia on Sunday, as both teams continue their season in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference.
