The North Carolina Tar Heels, the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, are set to face off against the No. 6 seed West Virginia Mountaineers on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Carmichael Arena at 7 p.m. This matchup not only marks a crucial step for the Tar Heels as they seek to advance to the Sweet 16, but it also puts two formidable defensive teams against each other. Carolina enters the game with a record of 28-7, while West Virginia stands at 25-7, both boasting strong performances in their respective conferences.
In their first-round game, the Tar Heels faced off against Oregon State, securing a convincing 70-49 victory on March 21. Carolina led by just two points at halftime but exploded in the second half, outscoring the Beavers 44-25. Graduate guard Lexi Donarski was a standout performer, scoring a game-high 19 points, including five three-pointers during a pivotal third quarter. This performance helped propel UNC into the second round and marked a significant moment for the team, who now looks to repeat its success against West Virginia.
Alyssa Ustby also made headlines during the win, grabbing her ninth rebound of the game to become the all-time leading rebounder at North Carolina with 1,253 career rebounds. Ustby's stellar performance was a decisive factor in not only the game but also in solidifying her legacy within the program. The Tar Heels are now hoping to build on this momentum as they prepare for the challenge posed by the Mountaineers.
The Mountaineers come into this game after a solid showing against Columbia, winning 78-59 in their opening round. With a defense renowned for its pressure, West Virginia ranks third in forced turnovers per game, averaging nearly 24. This relentless defensive style translates into a national ranking of second in steals per game, at 13.8. Head coach Courtney Banghart has noted the importance of ball protection against the Mountaineers’ pressing game, which can disrupt offensive flow. "We must focus on protecting the ball," Banghart stated, emphasizing the need for her team to be mindful of the Mountaineer press.
Historically, the Tar Heels' performance in the NCAA Tournament has been remarkable; they have made their mark by hosting tournament games in Chapel Hill 13 times and current stats show they hold a remarkable 23-1 record on home court. This boost at Carmichael Arena is something they intend to leverage for their upcoming match against West Virginia.
In a preview of what to expect, West Virginia's defense is ranked the eighth-best in the nation for scoring efficiency by various metrics, allowing only 77 points per 100 possessions. While the Mountaineers excel at creating turnovers, they also give up substantial shooting percentages, allowing a field goal percentage of 39.4% against them. If North Carolina can sustain possession and take calculated shots, it may be the key to unlocking West Virginia's defense.
On the offensive side, UNC's Maria Gakdeng has stepped into a leading role during her senior year, averaging 11.3 points per game. Her capability to exploit gaps in defenses is something the Tar Heels will rely on against this physical Mountaineer squad. As the game plan pivots to making the most of post-play, establishing Gakdeng in advantageous spots will be essential. As she thrives in the post against defenders, it will be crucial for her to remain unguarded by West Virginia’s prominent defensive press.
The home-court advantage cannot be overstated, as the Tar Heels play with a fervor fueled by their supportive crowd. Lexi Donarski highlighted this sentiment after the game against Oregon State, noting, "We’re treating this two-game stretch of hosting games like her true send-off," referring to Ustby, who missed Senior Night due to injury. The team is determined to honor their teammate and bolster their Sweet 16 ambitions.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an entertaining clash of the defensive titans, both teams know what lays ahead. For the Tar Heels, this match represents a critical turning point, as they look not just to win and advance but also to assert their place in NCAA basketball history, potentially paving the way for a remarkable run. The Terrific Tar Heels, with players like Donarski and Ustby shining brightly, seem poised to seize the opportunity against the Mountaineers.
With the stakes high and the history of these two programs in play, all eyes will be on Carmichael Arena on March 24 as North Carolina sets out to prove themselves once again. A victory means a ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2022, and the first opportunity to face a team other than South Carolina at that stage since 2011. Can the Tar Heels handle the pressure of their home fans and the fierce competition? Fans are eager for the answer as the game approaches.
