SECOND-HALF RALLY STALLS AS NO. 21 NORTH CAROLINA PREVAILS, 64-44

BOX SCORE CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – After making a run to cut its deficit to 11, Radford could not get any closer as No. 21 North Carolina prevailed, 64-44, in non-conference women's basketball action from Carmichael Arena Wednesday night.

“I applaud our second-half effort,” head coach Tajama Abraham Ngongba stated. “To come out and be the aggressor [in the second half] against a ranked opponent like North Carolina was nice to see.”

Freshman Diani Mason led the Highlanders' (3-4) offensive attack with 10 points, while Ashley Buckhannon and Victoria Hamilton contributed six points apiece. Hamilton also accumulated a career-high seven steals and hauled in a team-high five rebounds.

The Tar Heels (8-1) were led by Waltiea Rolle, who put up a career-high 24 points. Reigning ACC Rookie of the Week Xylina McDaniel tallied 16 points, while Krista Gross snared a career-high 17 rebounds for the hosts.

Getting her first start of the year, Ema Reskoska put the Highlanders in front 2-0 less than 20 seconds into the contest. The lead was quickly diminished when UNC's Megan Buckland knocked down a triple, which ignited a 21-2 surge to push the Tar Heels ahead for good. The hosts went into break leading, 33-10.

Out of the break, RU looked like a revitalized squad as the Highlanders began to chip away at the lead. After a deuce by McDaniel gave UNC a 23-point cushion (46-23) at the 11:28 mark, Radford began to make its move.

Via a nice pick-and-roll, Sarah Tabb cashed in a pass from Jordynn Gaymon for two to spark a 14-2 rally spanning over five minutes which trimmed the Highlanders' deficit to 11 (48-37) with 6:02 showing on the clock.

North Carolina had an answer, however, mounting an 11-0 rally, which stalled Radford's comeback and allowed the Tar Heels to hold on for the win.

In addition to shooting 42 percent (21-50), UNC held a decisive advantage on the glass (52-27).

The Highlanders' defensive intensity frustrated the hosts for most of the night, culminating in 31 turnovers. However, the offensive side of the ball struggled (25.8 percent) against the much taller Tar Heels.

“Our ladies need to understand to be patient,” commented Ngongba. “We rushed too many shots tonight and that reflected in our shooting percentage.”

The Highlanders will have a chance to get their offense, which leads the Big South, back on track when they square off against William & Mary, Saturday, Dec. 8 inside the Dedmon Center. The contest with the Tribe is part of a doubleheader with the CAA member. The men's game tips at 2:00 p.m. with the women's game to follow.

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