![]() ![]() Then, with 1:22 left, Koenen drained a contested 3-pointer to pull within four. ![]() So did the season-best crowd of 4,027, which was so loud that it appeared to make it difficult for the Cardinals to hear their play calls.įeeding off that same energy on the offensive end, the Tar Heels – who entered the fourth quarter down 62-45 – cut Louisville's lead to seven three times in the final five minutes. That, combined with better defensive execution by UNC, contributed to Louisville shooting just 34.6 percent (9 of 26) after halftime. I think their pressure really did bother us in the first half because we had a tough time simulating it in practice."Ĭarolina committed just two turnovers in the second half, reducing the Cardinals' scoring opportunities. "We're going to have to continue to use our imagination on ways to get better without practicing, but that's kind of where we are right now. ![]() "The last two days, we've been envisioning and imagining defense because we don't have any bodies," Banghart said. That said, UNC's lack of personnel hurt it against the Cardinals, not as much in the game as in its preparation for Louisville's defensive pressure. Banghart, however, would be the first to tell you that isn't a concern of hers given how good and consistent Janelle Bailey, Shayla Bennett, Taylor Koenen, Madinah Muhammad and Malu Tshitenge have been. With its starting five accounting for nearly 80 percent of its minutes, much has been made about Carolina's lack of depth. But en route to seizing a 45-25 lead shortly before halftime, fifth-ranked Louisville – the highest-ranked team UNC has faced thus far this season – forced the Tar Heels into 12 turnovers, leading to 16 points. Bummer, because I thought that was a game we could win."Įven when the first half suggested otherwise.Įntering Sunday, Carolina was averaging an ACC-low 11.4 turnovers per game. The next step for this group is to come out from the start and use their toughness as an advantage, not as a savior. "I just told them in the locker room I'm disappointed for them and with them. "What a bummer," said Banghart, moments after the game ended. Just frustration over an opportunity missed. This time, though, there was no talk of moral victories. And again, they battled back, only to lose 74-67. On Sunday, in their first meeting with the Cardinals since then, the Tar Heels once again fell behind early, trailing by as much as 20. And although that wasn't the desired result, it was, in many ways, viewed by the coaches and players as encouraging, considering the 19-point deficit they had faced and their recent struggles. 3, 2019, UNC traveled to Louisville for its ACC opener. From its style of play to the way it prepares to certain aspects of the building it plays in, much has changed around the North Carolina women's basketball program since Courtney Banghart's hiring as head coach last April.īut perhaps the biggest difference between where the Tar Heels are now and where they were this time last year became clear Sunday afternoon. ![]()
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