Coral Gables, FL.- Tonight (December 29), the University of Miami Lady Hurricanes hosted the #17 North Carolina Tarheels in a wild finale of the 2024 calendar year.

This ACC clash began in interesting fashion as the opening tip-off was launched into the stands. After back and forth possessions that came away with no points, UNC made the first “headline” as a deep three turned into a lodge ball stuck in the rim. The Tarheels would end up striking first, as Maria Gakdeng tapped in a second chance layup. (8:56 1st).

Miami immediately responded with their first points of the night, as Haley Cavinder knocked down a three pointer. After a few minutes of back and forth scoring, UNC began to apply pressure, setting the foundation for the lead they’d comfortably hold all night. The Tarheels took a 16-7 lead as Gakdeng and Alyssa Utsby connected on two consecutive triples, alongside two layups. (4:07 1st).

The ‘Canes responded with Haley Cavinder going 2/2 from the free throw line, and Jasmyne Roberts knocked down a three of her own, cutting the deficit 17-12. At the end of the first, UNC led 21-14.

The Tarheels took a double digit lead over Miami, as Utsby knocked down two free throws and a layup and Lanie Grant scored her first three of the night. UNC capitalized on a fast break and Lexi Donarski drained a quick three, extending the lead 33-19 (5:17 2nd). Miami attempted to battle the double digit deficit throughout the remainder of the first half, as the ‘Canes went on a two and a half minute scoring run, led by Ahnay Adams and Jasmyne Williams.

UNC would enter the halftime intermission leading Miami 39-29.

As the second half began, both squads began trading offensive haymakers. Blows traded, layups sank, threes fell, all around cinema. With that being said, no matter what Miami did offensively, UNC had a counter of their own. The Cavinder Twins, Hanna (#15), and Haley (#14), took over the second half across the board. The super senior sisters kept Miami alive, knocking down three after three and tough bucket after tough bucket.

Unfortunately for the ‘Canes, UNC kept pouring on the points, keeping the lead stable. UNC would go onto defeat Miami 69-60.

Stats:

UNC:

Maria Gakdeng- 21 Points, 12 Rebounds

Alyssa Utsby- 19 Points, 13 Rebounds

Miami:

Haley Cavinder- 19 Points, 11 Rebounds

Jasmyne Roberts- 19 Points, 7 Rebounds