UNC vs. UCONN

UNC started early and played a strong first leading the entire first half and playing very well. UNC starts with an 8-0 run and sets the tempo for the first half. The Tarheels continue to extend their lead with strong team play and capitalize on UCONN mistakes. The drought of scoring during the first half sparks UCONN as the close the deficit to within 3. UCONN's Montgomery continues to lead the Huskies throughout the first half. The Tarheel's are lead by Pringle who has been a consistent player for the heels this year. Larkins continues to struggle with scoring for the heels. UCONN's Charles is also a strong force in the first half with her interior play. She plays well for the Huskies in the first half to keep them to within 4 points. With only 10 minutes left in the first half UNC stays up by four. UNCs quick long arms help to extend the lead with their ability to block shots. UNCs depth from the bench continues to keep them in the lead. UNCs Breland and Lucas give the needed depth to maintain their strong defensive stand. With a bit over a minute left in the half UNC extends to a 10 point lead as they continue to control the first half play. McCants fouls with half a minute left which leads to UCONN free throws. The exchange is quick with UNC finishing the half with a layup and 11 point lead. UNC plays well in the first half and seems to have executed a great game plan so far.

Second half starts well for the Tarheels they continue to maintain the lead for the first three minutes of play. UCONN packs the "D" inside to force UNC to play a perimeter game. UNCs outside shooters can't seem to pull through to open the defense up. Several missed 3's continue to spark the Huskies play as they close up the middle. At the 15 minute mark the tides turn as the Huskies gain the lead. For the next 3 minutes the exchange of points between the HEELS and the HUSKIES open up the door for a nail bitter between #1 and #4. UCONNs Houston opens up the lead and shows up for this game during the second half. UCONNS Moore continues to show her impact as a scoring threat. With less than 10 minutes left the TARHEELS Pringle ties the game. Pringle's consistency is the stronghold for the Heels for this game. The Huskies stay in the lead during the second half with Houston and Montgomery leading the way. The Tarheels stay within reach with Pringle. McCants gives the needed defensive effort to help the Heels stay within 2 points. With 5 minutes left the Tarheels push to gain the lead with McCants as the scorer. At 4 and some change the Huskies change the tide with some sloppy Tarheel play. At this point there is no turning back for the Huskies as the take the lead and hold on for the 82-71 win.

HEELS - Degraffenreid does some good things but as her experience grows she will too. Larkins has to be consistent, her senior year has not been a stellar year. Pringle is the glue now she is a consistent and continues to provide them a spark. I like the Heels play but you gotta finish the deed. Their defense can make you work, but decisions in the crunch time hurt them. Will the Heels make it to the final two could this be a preview of the national championship game?

UCONN - Montgomery has the game. She has stepped up to the plate and getting the hit. Houston helped tonight but will she continue to be a contributor. Charles is a workhorse and will make the difference in many games. Can the Huskies hold it together and get the to National Championship game?