Cavaliers Defeat North Carolina 76-73, Sweep Season Series

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Feb. 11, 2001

Charlottesville, Va. – The #24 University of Virginia women’s basketball team got a crucial 76-73 ACC victory over North Carolina (13-10, 7-6) Sunday afternoon, sweeping the season series from the Tar Heels for the first time since 1996. The win propelled the Cavaliers into a four-way tie for second place in the conference at 7-6 in the league along with Maryland, UNC and Florida State.

Sophomore forward Schuye LaRue had another dominating performance for UVa (16-10, 7-6 ACC). She poured in 23 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, one off her own school record, and dished out six assists. It was LaRue’s 17th double-double of the season. In addition, LaRue had just four turnovers in one of her most complete performances of the season.

The Cavaliers overcame a 41-39 halftime deficit with torrid three-point shooting in the second half. Svetlana Volnaya hit a three in the opening seconds of the second half to put the Cavaliers up 42-41, a lead they would not relinquish the remainder of the game. Virginia was five-of-nine from behind the three-point line in the second stanza, while the Tar Heels were 0-7 after going 1-of-10 in the first 20 minutes. The Tar Heels came into the game as the ACC’s top-shooting team from behind the arc, averaging just under six threes a game, while the Cavaliers were right behind them at 5.88 per game.

Even with Virginia’s hot three-point shooting, North Carolina drew within one point on two occasions, with the final time coming less than a minute remaining in the game with a 6-0 run. But the Cavaliers answered as freshman guard Anna Prillaman hit a clutch two-point basket with just over 10 seconds remaining off an inbounds play and penetration by Svetlana Volnaya, but North Carolina still had a chance to tie. The `Hoos suffocating defense, however, allowed only a desperation heave which fell well short.

Four players scored in double figures for Virginia, including LaRue, Volnaya (18 points), junior Telisha Quarles (10 points) and Prillaman (12 points). Volnaya also pulled down seven rebounds and had five assists.

Virginia celebrated National Girls and Women in Sport today at halftime, honoring USA Soccer Coach April Heinrichs and former UVA standout Angela Hucles. Over 5,300 people were in attendance at today’s matchup.

Virginia returns to action Thursday (Feb. 15) when the Cavaliers travel to Clemson.