Three-Straight North Carolina Women’s Basketball Losses Come at Worst Time of Year

CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina women’s basketball team has dropped three consecutive games at the worst time of the year.

Another “uninspired” performance tonight led to a 74-56 loss against a middle-of-the-road Syracuse Orange (13-11, 7-6 ACC).

Before UNC started their three-game losing streak, North Carolina ranked fourth in the ACC,  competing for the coveted double-bye in the ACC Tournament that’s less than three weeks away.

“We had to decide how good we want to be collectively and individually,” said North Carolina first-year head coach Courtney Banghart. “We were uninspired in the first half, but we showed some fight toward the end which is good. We got some decisions to make in that locker room.”

North Carolina had its lowest-scoring period in the second when they netted seven points over a 10-minute span. Their 56 points tonight set a season-low.

“We came out really flat,” Banghart said. “This is a team that we’re better than and we could’ve been a little bit more locked in on both ends, and the league is just too tough to not show up.”

Now, the Tar Heels (16-9, 7-7 ACC) are ranked eighth in the conference. ESPN’s women’s basketball bracketologist Charlie Creme had North Carolina trending out of the big dance before the Syracuse loss.

UNC is finished with its toughest part of their ACC schedule. Three of their four remaining games are against opponents ranked below them in the standings. A double-edged sword that makes it paramount for the Tar Heels to win three-consecutive games on the road, then return to Carmichael Arena on senior day,  Sunday, Mar. 1, to host the team that sent them spiraling in the wrong direction – The Duke Blue Devils.

“Whenever you have a season of this length,” Banghart said, “You’re going to have ups, downs and all arounds. So, it’s always how you respond. And so we will make sure they’re prepared starting Friday, which is tomorrow, in practice. Boston College, that’s another good team. That’s why you choose the ACC. We have another good opportunity on Sunday.

“A very quick turnaround, so what we have to do is lock into the scout, understand how we can attack them offensively and stick to the game.”

The Tar Heels face the Boston College Eagles at noon, Sunday, Feb. 16.

(Feature image courtesy of Landon Bost)