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North Carolina center Maria Gakdeng dominated Syracuse down low.
With UNC bringing constant pressure, SU’s defense was forced to make quick decisions and Gakdeng capitalized. In the second quarter, as North Carolina led by two, Kyra Wood jumped a passing lane and Gakdeng slipped underneath for an easy deuce.
This layup kick-started a personal 11-3 run by Gakdeng over the second quarter’s last four and a half minutes. She helped the Tar Heels grow a 10-point halftime lead, entering the break with a game-high 15 points and seven rebounds.