- UNC outrebounded FSU 53-40, securing 17 offensive boards
- Second-chance points favored Tar Heels 21-2 in pivotal ACC matchup
- Freshman Lanie Grant sank game-clinching free throws with 7.3 seconds left
In a defensive battle at Greensboro Coliseum, the 14th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels advanced to the ACC Tournament semifinals with a gritty 60-56 victory over 22nd-ranked Florida State. The game turned on UNC's dominant rebounding performance, particularly Alyssa Ustby's 18-board effort that matched FSU's entire starting lineup total.
Head coach Courtney Banghart emphasized postgame: 'When you win the glass by 13 in tournament play, you're giving yourself championship opportunities.' This philosophy manifested through UNC's 21-2 advantage in second-chance points, including Reniya Kelly's crucial jumper in the final 90 seconds after three consecutive offensive rebounds.
The Tar Heels' freshman class demonstrated poise beyond their years, with early enrollee Lanie Grant converting both pressure free throws following a strategic timeout. 'We practice end-game scenarios daily,' Grant noted. 'Coach told me to breathe through my jersey and trust my form.'
Defensive intensity defined the contest, as FSU's Makayla Timpson tied an ACC Tournament record with 8 blocks. However, UNC limited national scoring leader Ta'Niya Latson to 13 points on 3-14 shooting through aggressive help defense from Maria Gakdeng (16 rebounds).
This victory avenged UNC's January loss to FSU, where Latson's buzzer-beating layup decided the outcome. The Heels' adjusted defensive scheme focused on crowding driving lanes, holding the Seminoles to their lowest scoring output this season.
Regional Insight: ACC teams winning the rebounding battle now hold a 17-3 record in conference tournament games since 2022. UNC's +13 margin continues this trend, mirroring Virginia Tech's 2023 championship run where they outrebounded opponents by 11 per game.
With the win, UNC advances to face either NC State or Georgia Tech. Their semifinal opponent must contend with a Tar Heel squad demonstrating tournament-tested resolve and emerging young talent.
