CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Sunday's matinee in Chapel Hill pitted Virginia against No. 21 North Carolina. Both teams entered with even 4-4 marks in conference play. On this day, though, the Tar Heels gained revenge, 79-64, for their two losses last season at the hands of the Cavaliers.
Virginia was coasting off victories in three of its last four contests while North Carolina was reeling after three consecutive ACC losses. The winner would be vying for a share of third place in the conference.
UNC's hot shooting - an ACC season-best .544 from the field - and Virginia's inability to take advantage of its opportunities made the difference. The Tar Heels were faster and more aggressive on offense, pushing the ball down the floor and finding the open shooter. Their up-tempo, unselfish offense produced 22 assists. Virginia's defense was tough, but North Carolina knew when to slow things down and effectively controlled the momentum of the game.
"We shot the ball well today," North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell said. "We were more patient on offense but still scored a lot of points. They're a good team and played tough defense. But our composure was better, and our focus was better."
Virginia jumped out to an early 9-4 lead, but UNC came storming back thanks to seven consecutive points by junior guard Coretta Brown. That would be indicative of the flow in a game littered with short runs. UNC always stayed ahead, never looking back after taking a 13-12 advantage. A 29-29 tie would be the closest Virginia would get.
A boon for UNC was the dominant low-post play of 6'6" center Candace Sutton; she hit seven short jumpers, blocked a career-high six shots, and slowed the production of freshman-phenom Brandi Teamer, whose double-double streak was snapped at six games with 11 points and four rebounds. With Teamer not in her usual groove, Anna Prillaman's three three-pointers and 11 points, and Telisha Quarles' game-high 23 points paced the Cavaliers.
"They were collapsing down on me, but my teammates did a good job," Teamer said. "Anna created some open shots for herself, and Telisha definitely stepped it up."
In fact, Quarles' personal efforts in the second half were enough to keep Virginia in contention. Her eight straight team points and fourteen in the second half's first ten minutes brought the Cavaliers within five, 51-46. Prillaman then hit an open three-pointer that would have narrowed the deficit to two, but a three-second lane violation nullified the basket. UNC quickly responded with a 9-0 run, puncturing Virginia's comeback hopes with a 62-48 edge.
Virginia hung tough but hurt itself with 21 turnovers and poor free-throw shooting (5-13 in the second half).
"UNC executed better," Virginia coach Debbie Ryan said. "They played tougher on defense. We missed free throws. The opportunities were there we just didn't take advantage of them"
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