North Carolina secures Sweet 16 spot by defeating West Virginia

In the women's NCAA Tournament, North Carolina faced West Virginia in a crucial second-round game on March 24, 2025, at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels, coming off a strong season with a record of 28-7, had a lot at stake as they aimed to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015. Coach Courtney Banghart's squad had to overcome a fierce West Virginia team, which was ranked first in the Big 12 and third nationally in forcing turnovers. Despite their strong defensive reputation, the Mountaineers struggled offensively throughout the game. Alyssa Ustby was a standout performer for North Carolina. After a challenging first half, where the game showcased strong defensive play from both teams, Ustby stepped up after halftime, scoring 16 of her game-high 21 points, which significantly contributed to the Tar Heels' scoring runs. Additionally, the defensive efforts of North Carolina were evident as they capitalized on West Virginia's mistakes, scoring 23 points off turnovers. This strategic advantage proved vital, especially in the decisive third quarter, where North Carolina created a substantial gap in the score. West Virginia, despite their defensive prowess, could not translate that into offensive effectiveness. The Mountaineers experienced significant shooting struggles, ultimately shooting just 24.1% from the field and failing to score effectively, particularly in the final quarter where they were held to only one basket, which came from a three-pointer in the last moments of the game. Coach Mark Kellogg recognized that while the defense was solid, the lack of offensive production sealed their fate in this must-win game as they fell short with a score of 58-47. This victory marked an important moment for North Carolina's program, paving the way for a highly anticipated Sweet 16 matchup against their rivals, Duke. The win not only reflects the Tar Heels' resilience but also strengthens their position as a formidable contender in this year’s tournament. The teams from North Carolina, including UNC, Duke, and N.C. State, all made it to the Sweet 16 together, a first since 2007, underscoring the competitive spirit in college basketball this season.