Sparks will fly when the Oklahoma Sooners (6-3) host the North Carolina Tar Heels (7-4) at Lloyd Noble Center on Tuesday, December 19th at 9:30 PM ET. Can Oklahoma’s offensive fireworks, ignited by Skylar Vann’s scoring prowess, overpower North Carolina’s suffocating defense, anchored by Alyssa Ustby’s versatility?
What it is: Women’s College Basketball
Matchup: North Carolina Tar Heels vs Oklahoma Sooners
Time: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 9:30PM
Locations: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
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Oklahoma comes into this matchup hungry for redemption after a narrow loss to UNLV. Despite Vann’s stellar 26-point performance, the Sooners couldn’t secure the win. However, their potent offense, averaging a conference-high 84.9 points per game, remains a force to be reckoned with. They boast a 6-3 record when surpassing their average of 56 points, which pales in comparison to North Carolina’s stingy defense that allows a mere 55.6 points per contest.
North Carolina enters the game riding a wave of confidence after a dominant victory over Western Carolina, with Ustby’s impressive 23-point display leading the charge. Their efficient offense, averaging 70.8 points per game, is no slouch either. They hold a perfect 4-0 record when surpassing their season average of 71 points, a mark just above Oklahoma’s average of 71 points allowed.
Offensive Explosion vs. Defensive Strength: Oklahoma’s high-octane offense might clash with North Carolina’s defensive prowess. Can the Sooners maintain their scoring rhythm against the Tar Heels’ stifling defense?
Turnover Battle: Oklahoma tends to give up more turnovers than North Carolina. Can the Tar Heels capitalize on those mistakes and convert them into scoring opportunities?
Three-Point Showdown: Both teams rely on the three-point shot, with Joens for Oklahoma and Donarski for North Carolina leading the charge. Who will find open looks and capitalize from beyond the arc?
Oklahoma:
Skylar Vann: The Sooners’ scoring engine, averaging 14.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Aubrey Joens: A reliable scorer, adding 12.6 points and 2.6 three-pointers per game.
Payton Verhulst: A key contributor, averaging 11.5 points and 3.5 assists per game.
North Carolina:
Alyssa Ustby: The Tar Heels’ do-it-all player, averaging 12.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Deja Kelly: The leading scorer, putting up 14.8 points and 2.1 steals per game.
Lexi Donarski: The three-point specialist, connecting on 2.3 treys per game at 37% accuracy.
This matchup promises a captivating encounter between Oklahoma’s offensive firepower and North Carolina’s defensive fortitude. Oklahoma’s offensive prowess and home-court advantage give them a slight edge. However, North Carolina’s balanced attack and stifling defense shouldn’t be underestimated. Ultimately, the team that executes better offensively, minimizes turnovers, and controls the three-point game will likely emerge victorious.
