Tar Heels Seek Sweet 16 Spot Against Mountaineers in NCAA Showdown

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The No. 3-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels will face off against the No. 6-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Carmichael Arena on Monday at 7 p.m. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16, with the Mountaineers aiming for their first appearance since the 1991-92 season.

North Carolina enters the matchup with a record of 28-7, having secured a dominant 70-49 victory over No. 14 Oregon State in the first round. In contrast, West Virginia, also at 25-7, earned a place in this round after defeating No. 11 Columbia 78-59. Both teams are looking to extend their tournament runs and avoid past disappointments; West Virginia has lost its last 10 second-round games, while North Carolina seeks to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2021-22.

“We are excited to play at home and look forward to showcasing our skills on a big stage,” UNC head coach Courtney Banghart said. “Our team is ready for the challenge, and we’re looking forward to another intense battle.”

Historically, the two programs have met only once, with North Carolina winning decisively, 95-56, on Nov. 17, 1979, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Tar Heels are currently led by four All-ACC players and are known for their strong defensive play, ranking in the top 25 nationally in several defensive categories.

In their recent win, UNC’s Lexi Donarski stood out, scoring 17 points in the third quarter alone. The team also boasts Alyssa Ustby, who set the program record for rebounds, showcasing the depth and talent of the squad. Ustby averages 10.6 points per game along with her strong rebounding. Senior Maria Gakdeng leads the scoring for the Tar Heels with an average of 11.3 points.

West Virginia’s offense shined in their first-round win, highlighted by senior J.J. Quinerly, who scored 27 points, and junior Jordan Harrison, who added another 23. The Mountaineers’ strong showing included an impressive 53% shooting from the floor, sealing their victory with substantial scoring from the paint.

As the teams face off, experts are predicting a tight contest. Odds posted by BetMGM show a slight edge for UNC, who are favored by 1.5 points. Game analysts note the importance of rebounding and ball security, particularly for West Virginia, which has struggled with turnovers in previous tournament play.

“We need to stay focused and minimize our mistakes,” Quinerly stated in a pre-game interview. “If we can execute our game plan and play our style of basketball, we have a great chance of advancing.”

The clash of styles between the high-octane offense of the Mountaineers and the defensive prowess of the Tar Heels will be a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Coverage of the game will be available on ESPN2, with radio broadcast options through the Tar Heel Sports Network.

Whichever team emerges victorious will not only secure a coveted place in the Sweet 16 but also add another chapter to the storied history of NCAA women’s basketball.