Will the North Carolina Tar Heels' Dominant Defense Overwhelm SMU Mustangs Again?

The North Carolina Tar Heels, ranked 14th, showcased their defensive prowess in a commanding victory over the SMU Mustangs with a final score of 64-33. This win improved the Tar Heels' season record to an impressive tally, while the Mustangs faced another setback. The game, held at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, was a testament to the Tar Heels' strength on both ends of the court.

Key Performances and Game Highlights

The Tar Heels were relentless on defense, accumulating 10 steals and blocking 6 shots throughout the game. Their defensive efforts limited the Mustangs to a mere 19 percent shooting from the field. On offense, North Carolina demonstrated balanced team play with 18 assists leading to multiple scoring opportunities.

Lexi Donarski stood out for the Tar Heels with an impressive performance that included scoring 15 points and securing two rebounds. Her shooting was particularly efficient; she made five out of eight attempts from beyond the arc. Alyssa Ustby also had a notable game with her all-around contribution of 12 points, four assists, and an astounding total of 18 rebounds.

Maria Gakdeng's presence was felt on both ends of the floor as well; she contributed significantly with ten points, seven rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Her defensive efforts were crucial in disrupting SMU's offensive flow.

SMU's Struggle Against North Carolina's Defense

The Mustangs struggled offensively against a stifling Tar Heel defense that never let up. They managed only twelve field goals on sixty-two attempts throughout the game and turned over possession twenty-one times due to relentless pressure from North Carolina defenders.

Despite their struggles from open play, SMU showed resilience under pressure by drawing fouls effectively but could not capitalize fully at free throw line making just five out of eleven attempts.

Looking Ahead

The North Carolina Tar Heels are set to face off against Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh on January 19th at 2:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch all action live as it unfolds on ACC Network Extra ensuring they do not miss any part of this anticipated matchup.

Share this article if you're excited about what comes next for The North Carolina Tar Heels!