Donarski leads North Carolina to victory over Oregon State

In the United States, the North Carolina women's basketball team, a third seed, faced off against 14th-seeded Oregon State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. The match showcased a standout performance by Lexi Donarski, who scored a remarkable 19 points, notably contributing 17 of those during a dominant third-quarter display that allowed North Carolina to secure a significant 70-49 victory. North Carolina began the game strong, establishing an early lead, but Oregon State fought back in the second quarter to briefly take the lead. However, after the halftime break, North Carolina regained control. The third quarter was particularly pivotal, with North Carolina outscoring Oregon State 30-9. This explosive scoring run featured five three-pointers from Donarski, showcasing her exceptional shooting ability and offensive prowess. The Tar Heels executed a series of strategic plays that allowed them to dictate the game's pace and force the Beavers into unfavorable situations. Jackson Ustby, another key player for North Carolina, contributed significantly with 10 points and nine rebounds, reaching a milestone by achieving the program's record for career rebounds at 1,252. On the Oregon State side, Kelsey Rees led her team with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while AJ Marotte added another 13 points. Despite a strong start and a momentary lead in the second quarter, Oregon State struggled to keep pace with North Carolina's high-scoring second half. This loss marked yet another difficulty for 14th-seeded teams in the women's tournament, a category that has historically not seen any victories in opening rounds. After securing this victory, North Carolina advanced to face sixth-seeded West Virginia in the second round on Monday, hoping to achieve their first Sweet 16 appearance since the 2022 tournament. The team’s 28 wins this season also tied the record for the most wins since 2013, indicating significant progress under the guidance of head coach Courtney Banghart. The game highlighted not just individual talent, but also the coordinated efforts of North Carolina’s program, which has strived for excellence in recent years. The impressive performance against Oregon State exemplified the team's potential and resilience as they aim for a deeper run in this year's NCAA tournament.