UNC women's basketball takes top-ranked South Carolina to wire

CHAPEL HILL — No. 24 UNC women's basketball gave No. 1 South Carolina its toughest matchup of the season so far, but couldn't overcome the Gamecocks in a 65-58 loss.

The Tar Heels (5-3) popped South Carolina (6-0) in the mouth with a 6-0 run to open the game. They'd go on to lead by as many as 11 points, more than doubling the Gamecocks' largest deficit of the season (5). But South Carolina cut UNC's lead to three by halftime and went on a 7-0 run early in the third quarter, taking the lead on a Te-Hina Paopao 3-pointer and never letting go.

South Carolina's defense held throughout the second half, stifling UNC rallies and killing the Tar Heels' momentum with 14 turnovers as the Heels, who have struggled with poor shooting, made just 21 of 67 shots from the field (31%). Meanwhile, Bree Hall's 3-pointer with 2:08 remaining put the Gamecocks up by six, and they were clearly comfortable closing out the win.

Hall scored 15 to lead South Carolina, while Deja Kelly scored 20 to lead UNC and Alyssa Ustby added 18 points, three assists and three blocks. Kamilla Cardoso grabbed 16 rebounds for SC.

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Game gets heated

With 2:09 remaining in the first quarter and the Tar Heels leading 17-9, South Carolina's Ashlyn Watkins got tangled up with Ustby in the paint under UNC's basket. As they got to their feet, a little shoving ensued and a teammate pulled on the back of Watkins' jersey as she marched toward Ustby, who was jogging to her position on defense. UNC's Kelly stepped in front of Watkins near midcourt and the two began jawing, exchanging light shoves. before being separated.

Double-technical fouls were issued to Kelly and Watkins.

Fast start

UNC held South Carolina scoreless for the first 4 minutes, 39 seconds of the game, building a 6-0 lead in the process. Kelly posted a game-high 12 points in the first half but a 14-6 run to close the second quarter whittled a double-digit Tar Heel lead to just three at the break.

UNC led by as many as 11 points in the first half – the largest deficit South Carolina has faced this season.

Deja vu

Kelly’s performance against South Carolina on Thursday was reminiscent of her Sweet 16 performance in 2022 when she put up 23 points in the 69-61 loss – the Gamecocks’ only single-digit loss in the tournament on their way to a national championship.

Halftime inspiration

South Carolina came out of the locker room looking like a different team after halftime.

After shooting 1-of-4 from beyond the arc in the first half, the Gamecocks tripled their 3-pointers in a three-minute span that sparked a 7-0 run to give SC its first lead.