With a 9-3 lead, it seemed things were going to plan for North Carolina’s women’s basketball team. Waltiea Rolle was dominating the post. Tierra Ruffin-Pratt’s more aggressive shots were falling. Albany seemed unable to penetrate UNC’s defense.
And then the Tar Heels made things hard for themselves.
UNC committed 12 turnovers, nine of which were unforced. Reckless play also led to plenty of free-throw opportunities for the Great Danes, who quickly entered the bonus, and then the double bonus.
As passes sailed out of bounds, miscommunications occurred and fouls were called, the looks of frustration and confusion solidified on the faces of UNC’s players.
Tierra Ruffin-Pratt scored 11 of UNC’s 23 points, but was also called for three fouls, including a technical foul awarded for an outburst after her third foul, a block, was whistled.
All of UNC’s starters have at least two fouls apiece.
Megan Buckland, normally UNC’s best shooter, played significant minutes for UNC, but airballed two three-pointers and only made one of her two free throws. Waltiea Rolle was just one of five from the field, and the Tar Heels combined to shoot 26.9 percent for the half.
The Great Danes didn’t shoot very well either, but they did make four more free throws than the Tar Heels and rebounded the ball significantly better. Albany pulled down 24 rebounds to UNC’s 15.
Lindsey Lowrie leads Albany with eight points, including two 3-pointers. Shereesha Richards contributed six points.
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