[GALLERY] North Carolina women’s basketball gives Banghart first UNC win
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The North Carolina Tar Heels women’s basketball team defeated the Western Carolina Catamounts yesterday, Nov. 07, 92-55 to give first-year head coach Courtney Banghart her first win at UNC.
Carolina junior center Janelle Bailey led the Tar Heels in scoring and rebounding with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Tar Heels freshman forward Malu Tshitenge had 19 points in her collegiate debut, and senior guards Taylor Koenen and Shayla Bennett had 17 points each to give UNC four players in double-figures.
“We’re still freeing them up a little bit,” Banghart said when asked about Carolina’s scoring, “so they know if they’re on the floor, they’re supposed to score. The ball movement is critical, because we have weapons all over the floor. If the ball doesn’t move, we’re a little bit easier to guard. When you look at the second, third and fourth quarter versus the fourth quarter, you’ll see a whole lot more ball movement on film.
“And I’m not worried about the guys scoring at all. I want them to continue to get gritty on the defensive end, but these guys can score and they’re proving it which is fun.”
After the game, the North Carolina Athletic’s Department honored Banghart with a video tribute and ceremonial No. 1 jerseys to commemorate her first victory.
“I really have heartfelt gratitude for what the athletic department did for me after the game,” Banghart said. “I had no understanding of that at all.”
What’s Next
Carolina hosts Navy in Carmichael Arena on Monday, Nov. 11., at 7 p.m.
Gallery
(Images courtesy of Landon Bost)
