CONWAY, S.C. — Perhaps this is the end.
Maybe, after two years rebuilding, this is the inflection point. Maybe this is the end of a precipitous fall. The moment when two seasons of tumult are retired with one collective sigh.
The North Carolina women’s basketball team was a day removed from an upstart victory over Pittsburgh. But as Syracuse bled the final minutes of its 83-64 win over UNC on Thursday, the Tar Heels simply bided their time.
Soon, it would all be over.
“When it comes down to those seven, eight minutes and we’re losing by more than 20,” guard Paris Kea said, “we kind of realize that we just have to build on our weaknesses for next year.