UConn defeat North Carolina to reach 30th women’s NCAA Elite Eight
Defending national champions UConn have marched into their 30th women’s NCAA tournament Elite Eight after overwhelming North Carolina 63-42 in Fort Worth on Friday.
The top-seeded outfit extended their remarkable overall winning streak to 53 games in a dominant defensive display.
Sophomore forward Sarah Strong spearheaded the victory, registering 21 points and 10 rebounds against her home-state program.
Strong orchestrates decisive second-quarter surge
The Big East Player of the Year took control during a critical stretch, scoring four consecutive field goals within a devastating two-minute window.
Her commanding performance helped the tournament favourites outscore their opponents 17-8 in the second period to establish a 28-20 halftime advantage.
Blanca Quiñonez also proved instrumental for the reigning champions, contributing 16 points and initiating the pivotal scoring run with a timely layup.
As the league’s pre-eminent defender, the 21-point star also suffocated the opposition, finishing the contest with five steals and two blocked shots.
Tar Heels stumble against relentless defence
Emerging from the interval, the Huskies delivered the final blow with an unanswered 12-0 run.
All-American guard Azzi Fudd overcame a sluggish first half to ignite the third-quarter charge, sinking a crucial three-pointer to bury any hopes of a comeback.
Fourth-seeded North Carolina endured a miserable offensive outing, committing 24 turnovers and shooting a season-low 28% from the floor.
Despite 20 points from Indya Nivar, the Tar Heels suffered their second consecutive Sweet 16 exit, having fallen to Duke at the same stage last season.
Historic rivalry awaits in regional final
The unbeaten juggernaut will now face sixth-seeded Notre Dame on Sunday for a coveted spot in the Phoenix Final Four.
The Fighting Irish secured their progression earlier on Friday following a sensational 31-point triple-double from Hannah Hidalgo against Vanderbilt.
Sunday’s encounter will mark the ninth March Madness meeting between the storied collegiate programs.
Their previous eight tournament battles all occurred in the Final Four, including back-to-back national championship showdowns which the Connecticut side swept in 2014 and 2015.
