Just got back from Reynolds Coliseum, where we watched the Lady Tar Heels pull out a close win over the Wolfpack women. The Lady Heels were down by as much as 11 in the second half before buckling down and squeaking by. It was a great game and I hated to see either team lose. The Lady Tar Heels wore pink ribbons on their shorts in support of Wolfpack coach Kay Yow in her battle with breast cancer. The fans were given pink wristbands for the same reason.
N.C. State's Rachel Stockdale drew a foul on a 3-pointer that would have tied the game at 77. She made her first free throw, missed the second, and then missed the third. The ball bounced off a Tar Heel with 1.1 seconds left, and the Pack were unable to get a shot off as time expired.
I must say the atmosphere in Reynolds Coliseum is a great one. It was probably 3:1 Wolfpack to Tar Heel fans, but all were close to the court and excited for their teams. It was definitely a friendlier rivalry than at a men's game. Again, under the circumstances, it was a shame that either team had to lose, and I applauded both teams' effort following the game.
Tonight was my first chance seeing the Lady Tar Heels in person, and I hope to do so again soon. Erlana Larkins is a force underneath, and scored a career-high 23 points. As always, Ivory Latta was able to take over the game in the closing minutes. Camille Little had a great performance as well, and Leah Metcalf hit a huge three-pointer to give the Heels a 1 point lead late in the game.
Go check the ladies out. If you're in Chapel Hill Monday, go see them take on the Miami Hurricanes at 2 pm in Carmichael.
