Women’s basketball preview and game thread: Fighting Irish to take on UNC

ND vs UNC on Sunday afternoon in January

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team travels to Chapel Hill, NC to host the North Carolina Tar Heels on Sunday afternoon. This begins a road stretch for NDWBB as they play 3 of their next 4 ACC games on the road.

This matchup is between ranked teams, as the Irish move up to No. 4 in the latest AP Poll, and the Tar Heels are ranked No. 22. Even though UNC is 0-3 in ACC play and 9-5 overall, they are still respected nationally. After starting the season 9-1.

The Irish are looking to continue their strong start to the season at 12-1 and 3-0 in ACC play. The Irishman ended 2022 in Coral Gables with a win over unranked Miami. Then, to start the new year on New Year’s Day 2023, the Irish defeated Boston College 85-48. Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron continue to be the breakout stars for the Irish, but it’s some of the newcomers who have made an impact in the early game. Freshman Keke Bransford had 17 points and didn’t miss her first 13 points from the field or from the field. Also, Cassandre Prosper was an early enrollee and made her debut. She had 7 points and 9 rebounds for a career-best debut.

Matt Cashore-USA Today Sports

The Irish and Tar Heels meet at 4 PM ET on the ACC Network. Follow along in the comments below for this conference clash and add to the game thread.