Clutch Wins and Dominant Displays: A Roundup of Collegiate Women's Basketball Action
North Carolina's Close Call: Surviving NC State's Late Rally
The highly anticipated matchup between No. 25 North Carolina and NC State culminated in a tight 61-59 win for the Tar Heels. Despite holding a significant 10-point lead with only four minutes remaining, North Carolina found itself battling a determined Wolfpack team in the closing moments. NC State mounted an impressive 11-3 run, narrowing the deficit to just two points thanks to Tilda Trygger's timely layup. A subsequent turnover by the Tar Heels gave NC State a chance to equalize or win, but Zamareya Jones's 3-point attempt fell short. Indya Nivar of North Carolina secured the crucial rebound, and though she missed both free throws, her second rebound effectively ran out the clock, sealing a hard-fought victory.
Key Performances Fuel Tar Heels' Five-Game Winning Streak
North Carolina's triumph marked their fifth consecutive win, improving their Atlantic Coast Conference record to 7-3 and overall to 18-5. Lanie Grant led the scoring charge with 18 points, while Indya Nivar delivered an all-around performance, contributing 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Nyla Harris also made a significant impact, adding 10 points and 9 rebounds. The Tar Heels demonstrated resilience, overcoming a nine-point deficit earlier in the game to secure their win.
NC State's Valiant Effort Led by Pierre's Double-Double
For NC State, Khamil Pierre was a standout performer, achieving a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Tilda Trygger added 11 points and 7 rebounds, and Qadence Samuels chipped in with 10 points and 8 boards. Despite their strong individual performances and a late-game surge, the Wolfpack ultimately fell short, bringing their record to 15-7 overall and 8-3 in the conference.
Ole Miss Dominates Auburn in Neutral Site Showdown
In another significant game, No. 13 Ole Miss delivered a resounding 71-45 victory over Auburn. The game, held at a neutral site in Birmingham, Ala., due to a winter storm, saw the Rebels in control from the outset. Cotie McMahon was the star for Ole Miss, racking up 20 points and 7 rebounds in just 23 minutes of play. Sira Thienou contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Christeen Iwuala secured a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. This dominant performance extended Ole Miss's winning streak to three games, improving their Southeastern Conference record to 6-2 and overall record to 19-4.
Auburn's Struggles Continue with Fourth Consecutive Loss
Auburn faced a tough outing against Ole Miss, with Harissoum Coulibaly being the only player to reach double figures in scoring with 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting. The Tigers were significantly outscored in the first quarter, 22-10, and struggled with their shooting accuracy throughout the game, finishing at 32.1% from the field. This loss marked Auburn's fourth consecutive defeat, bringing their record to 13-10 overall and 2-7 in the conference.