Women's NCAA Tournament Albany roundup: UNC edges Michigan St.

Field Level Media|published: Fri 22nd March, 14:23 2024

Michigan State guard DeeDee Hagemann (0) looks to pass against North Carolina guard Indya Nivar (24) during the second half of NCAA tournament first round at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C. on Friday, March 22, 2024. credits: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 8 North Carolina 59, No. 9 Michigan State 56

Alyssa Ustby collected 16 points and 17 rebounds as the Tar Heels topped the Spartans in the first round of the Women's NCAA Tournament in Columbia, S.C.

Ustby's double-double was her 15th of the season, and she also had a team-high six assists. UNC (20-12) also got a double-double from Maria Gakdeng of 17 points and 10 boards. Deja Kelly added 13 points.

Julia Ayrault and Theryn Hallock paced Michigan State (22-9) with 14 points apiece, while Moira Joiner had 13 points.

The Tar Heels started the game firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 21-7 lead. Of the 23 points UNC scored in the opening frame, 18 of them came in the paint. That dominance inside continued as the Tar Heels won the rebounding battle 45-27.

Michigan State trimmed the deficit to a point with 5.1 seconds to play, but never got any closer.

—Field Level Media