The UNC women's basketball team faced a tough challenge against Boston College in the ACC Tournament on Thursday in Greensboro, ultimately securing a 78-71 victory. The Tar Heels, sporting tournament shirts that appropriately reflected the difficulty of the competition, started strong with an 11-0 lead. The return of Alyssa Ustby to the lineup injected energy into the team, suggesting a potential runaway win. However, Boston College had other plans, mirroring their previous comeback against Syracuse.

Boston College not only tied the game but also surged ahead, establishing a nine-point lead with just over eight minutes remaining. Despite the deficit, North Carolina demonstrated resilience, closing the game on a 22-8 run to regain control and win. A critical three-pointer by Lexi Donarski in the final minutes proved to be a decisive blow to Boston College's comeback hopes.

Alyssa Ustby's presence on the court was impactful, even though her stats (11 points, six rebounds) weren't her usual numbers. Her ability to make crucial plays, such as a late-game tip-out, highlighted her importance to the team. Lexi Donarski led all scorers with 20 points, including five three-pointers and important free throws. Indya Nivar contributed a well-rounded performance with 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Lanie Grant added 11 points off the bench.

The victory advances North Carolina to the quarterfinals against Florida State. The Tar Heels are eager for a rematch after their previous encounter during the regular season. The team seeks to avenge that loss in Greensboro.

Game Statistics:

North Carolina: 78

Boston College: 71