North Carolina routs Hokies

Opposing coaches have been saying it all season long — when the North Carolina women’s basketball team gets a run going, it’s difficult to stop.

But for the first 13 minutes of UNC’s 93-67 victory against Virginia Tech on Friday, the Hokies managed to match the No. 8 Tar Heels layup for layup.

“I didn’t think our intensity level was what it needed to be to start the game with, even though we hit some good traps,” said North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell. “Our rotators and interceptors were not in the right places, and they got some easy buckets.”

But after an official timeout with 7 minutes and 35 seconds remaining in the half, the Tar Heels (20-3, 8-2 in the ACC) got their wake-up call and went on a 19-9 run.

Sophomore Ivory Latta sparked the run when she stole the ball and dropped in a breakaway layup, the first of the game.

On the next Va. Tech possession, Kenya McBee blocked a Hokie shot and took an assist from La’Tangela Atkinson in the post to expand UNC’s lead to 6 points.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Va. Tech 67 UNC 93

“Where they made that run, we took some quick shots, some bad shots, let them go in transition and then let them get two and three looks at the basket,” said Virginia Tech coach Beth Dunkenberger.

Senior Nikita Bell put up a solid defensive effort, leading the team with seven steals.

“She gave us a lot of energy,” Hatchell said. “She was playing well, and that’s why I started her in the second half. I thought her being out there really helped us get going.”

But Hatchell was not pleased with the team’s overall defensive effort.

The Hokies (14-8, 3-6) shot 52 percent from the floor in the second half, and point guard Carrie Mason was perfect from 3-point range.

The always modest Atkinson led UNC with seven assists. She also had a double-double with 12 rebounds and 12 points.

Hatchell said Atkinson would rather rebound than eat.

“Shooting percentage or rebounds — she does those things out there and you just don’t notice it that much, but her numbers are always good,” Hatchell said. “She does so much for us that she doesn’t get credit for, and she doesn’t like credit.”

Atkinson bashfully dropped her head during her coach’s comments in the post-game remarks. Hatchell joked that the starting junior would probably not score in the next few games to avoid being dragged into a press conference where she would have to discuss her achievements.

But Atkinson and her teammates only have four more games left before they focus on title runs.

UNC has had tournament buzz surrounding it since the team eked out a win against defending champion Connecticut. But Hatchell isn’t quick to liken her team to her 1994 national championship team.

“Defensively, we’re not there, because that ’94 team could really play some defense,” Hatchell said. “This group is on track for that, but we’re not there yet. Sharing the basketball and the team chemistry and all, we’re close to that level.

“I think we could be a great team, and at times we really are, but we’ve still got some things we need to work on.”

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.