Amber Aniston • December 9, 2024

No. 16 North Carolina Dominates Coppin State 72-46

The No. 16 North Carolina Tar Heels delivered a commanding 72-46 victory over Coppin State on Sunday afternoon at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill. With 12 players contributing to the scoreboard, the Tar Heels demonstrated their depth and efficiency to secure their fifth consecutive win. The victory improved North Carolina’s record to 9-1 on the season and 5-0 at home.


Maria Gakdeng led the way for the Tar Heels, scoring 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Reniya Kelly and Alyssa Ustby added crucial three-pointers to fuel a strong start. Coppin State, despite their efforts, struggled to keep pace against North Carolina's balanced attack and stifling defense.


A Dominant First Half

North Carolina set the tone early with a high-energy first quarter, jumping to a 23-13 lead. Kelly drained both of her three-point attempts, while Ustby, Lexi Donarski, and Indya Nivar also connected from beyond the arc. The Tar Heels’ ability to spread the floor and convert from deep proved to be a decisive factor, as they shot an impressive 56.7% from the field in the first half.


Donarski, in particular, shined during the second quarter, hitting two three-pointers and pacing the offense. Contributions from reserves Laila Hull and Ciera Toomey further bolstered North Carolina’s scoring efforts, helping the team build a commanding 46-27 lead at halftime. On the defensive end, the Tar Heels held Coppin State to just 37.5% shooting and forced multiple turnovers, disrupting the Eagles' rhythm.


Coppin State’s Fight in the Third Quarter

The Eagles showed resilience in the third quarter, matching North Carolina’s intensity and scoring 14 points to keep the deficit manageable. Angel Jones led Coppin State with five points in the period, while Tiffany Hammond and Laila Lawrence provided additional scoring support. Lawrence recorded her seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds.


Despite Coppin State’s efforts, the Tar Heels maintained control, with timely defensive stops and consistent ball movement. Gakdeng and Ustby dominated the paint, limiting Coppin State’s second-chance opportunities and securing key rebounds to maintain the lead heading into the final period.


Closing Out in Style

North Carolina’s defense took over in the fourth quarter, holding Coppin State to just five points. The Tar Heels’ relentless pressure forced contested shots and turnovers, allowing them to close the game with a 12-5 run. Fresh contributions from the bench, including another strong showing from Hull, ensured a smooth finish for the Tar Heels.


Hammond and Jones were the standouts for Coppin State, leading the team with 12 points each. Despite their individual efforts, the Eagles struggled to find consistency against North Carolina’s well-rounded defensive effort.


Key Performances and Statistics

Maria Gakdeng’s 10-point performance highlighted her efficiency in the post, while Lexi Donarski and Reniya Kelly contributed critical outside shooting to complement the Tar Heels’ inside game. The team’s balanced scoring effort was a testament to their depth, with every player on the roster seeing action.


North Carolina finished the game shooting 44.8% from the field and an impressive 41.7% from three-point range. Defensively, the Tar Heels limited Coppin State to 32.7% shooting and forced 15 turnovers, showcasing their ability to control the pace and disrupt opposing offenses.


What’s Next

North Carolina will remain at Carmichael Arena for their next matchup against UNC Greensboro on Wednesday. With their confidence growing and their defensive identity solidifying, the Tar Heels look to continue their momentum as they approach the heart of their schedule.


Coppin State, now 6-5 on the season, will travel to George Washington for their next game. Despite the loss, the Eagles have shown promise, with players like Lawrence providing consistent performances that bode well for the remainder of their campaign.


A Comprehensive Team Victory

North Carolina’s 72-46 win over Coppin State was a showcase of their depth, defense, and offensive versatility. With contributions from all corners of the roster, the Tar Heels reaffirmed their position as a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball. As they continue to build on this strong start, North Carolina has set the tone for an exciting and competitive season ahead.

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