Lady Heels Get Defensive Against No. 1 Duke
by Wes Wilson

Nineteen--that's how many times the women's basketball team had played and lost to the nation's best team. Twelve--that's how many games it had been since their team beat Duke. But now, thanks to Monday night's victory against No. 1 Duke, you can wipe that slate clean.

It's been said that defense wins championships, so the No. 12 Tar Heels played championship caliber 'D,' holding Duke to just 13 points in the first half. It was the fewest points scored by Duke in a half since 1981.

On the offensive side, the Tar Heels struggled as well, but they found just enough offense to stay ahead of Duke, as three players finished in double figures.

Senior forward Nikita Bell provided an enormous amount of intensity on defense, finishing with five big steals. The Tar Heels forced 23 Duke turnovers with 18 total steals.

Duke's Monique Currie pulled the Devils close late, but Alison Bales -- an 80 percent free throw shooter -- missed badly twice from the line with a chance to tie.

After being fouled, Ivory Latta made her foul shots on the other end to seal the victory for Carolina.

Although the many Tar Heel faithful who showed up were told to stay off the court, the security couldn't keep the students from rushing to celebrate with their triumphant Lady Heels.

Nikita Bell, who has not beaten Duke in her four year career at Carolina said what many students already know: there's nothing quite like beating Duke.

"It's great," said Bell. "It was a fun game, and--oh my goodness--beating the No. 1 team, and it's Duke? So it's a double, double victory for me, I guess. I'm really excited."

The Heels got to live it up on the court Monday night with their fellow students, but they know not to brag quite yet. They still have to play Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Feb. 27, and if history holds true, they'll meet the Devils in the ACC Tournament Championship for the fourth straight year.