Bold opening: Louisville’s overtime surge flipped a tight ACC opener into a decisive win, as they stun No. 12 North Carolina 76-66 in Chapel Hill.
Louisville exploded in the extra period, sealing the victory after UNC guard Indya Nivar missed two late free throws in regulation and Imari Berry knocked down the second free throw with under a second remaining to force OT at 66-all.
In overtime, Skylar Jones and Berry added baskets and a pair of free throws each, and Louisville dominated 10-0 to clinch the win. Louisville improved to 10-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while UNC dips to 9-3 overall and 0-1 in ACC action.
Key performers for Louisville included Laura Ziegler, who finished with 17 points on 12 shots and three 3-pointers, plus eight rebounds. Elif Istanbulluoglu contributed 16 points on 11 attempts with two threes. Benchmuskets Imari Berry totaled 13 points and seven rebounds. Tajianna Roberts added 11 points and four steals, and Skylar Jones supplied eight points, with half of them coming in overtime.
UNC’s reserves provided a spark, led by Taliyah Henderson with 13 points on perfect shooting (5-for-5) and three 3-pointers. Cierra Toomey added 12 points and eight rebounds, Nyla Harris contributed 11 points and nine boards, while Indya Nivar and Lanie Grant each scored 10.
Game flow highlighted a back-and-forth start, with Louisville up 26-24 after the first quarter and 38-33 at halftime. The Tar Heels briefly seized the lead in the third when Elina Aamisalo buried a jumper to cap a 7-0 run and give UNC a 40-38 edge. Louisville responded with an 11-0 burst to move ahead 56-51 entering the final period.
Henderson immediately swung the momentum for UNC by drilling two straight 3-pointers to pull UNC within 64-63 with 1:08 left in regulation.
Up next
Louisville hosts Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday.
North Carolina welcomes UNC Wilmington on Wednesday.
