At times during Sunday’s 73-69 loss to Virginia Tech, the UNC women’s basketball team looked like it was at the top of its game. However, only playing well for part of the game doesn’t cut it in the ACC.
The game was never out of reach for the Tar Heels, but they played from behind for most of the 40 minutes, as evidenced by the fact that Virginia Tech led for almost 62 percent of game time.
“We can’t put spurts together,” senior center Janelle Bailey said. “It has to be the entire game of being locked in and constant communication.”
UNC captured the lead early in the third quarter. In their most well-played stretch of the game, the Tar Heels dominated the boards, shot well from all areas of the court and defended effectively.
With about five minutes remaining in the frame, graduate transfer Stephanie Watts hit two free throws to put the Tar Heels up eight — their largest lead of the game. Immediately after, Watts turned the ball over twice in 21 seconds, and Virginia Tech’s shooting began to heat up. With 34 seconds remaining in the period, the Hokies had tied the game back up.
“Everybody tried to do a little bit too much on their own," head coach Courtney Banghart said. "So instead of catching and shooting, they would catch it and put it down on the floor, which would be a travel, and other times, they would try to over-penetrate.”
UNC had 14 turnovers and only 12 assists, a ratio that illustrated its disjointed offense. In comparison, Virginia Tech had nine turnovers to 18 assists.
Foul trouble was another factor that turned the tide of the game. After picking up two early fouls, Bailey didn’t see the court at all in the second quarter. She later fouled out of the game with three minutes remaining.
“I’m a physical player — I’m not going to stop being physical," Bailey said. "I just have to be cognizant of picking and choosing my battles."
