A spot in the N-C-A-A tournament’s “Sweet 16” is up for grabs Tuesday night when the Blue Hens entertain North Carolina in Newark.
The contest is a battle between nationally ranked teams at the Carpenter Center. Delaware is 15th in the nation while the Tar Heels are number 13.
It's only the second time this season the Hens will take the floor against a ranked opponent. The first was a 69-53 loss to then number 9 Maryland at the Bob back in December.
But senior guard Lauren Carra says she feels UD is a much different team now than it was at that point in the season.
"The Maryland game, we obviously didn’t win that game but we learned a lot from that game and we’ve grown so much since then. This team has grown so much that we’re much that we can handle a lot of the adversity we face,” said Carra.
One thing Delaware players know for certain they need to bring the “A” game to top the Tar Heels and earn their first-ever trip to the round of 16. Senior All-American Elena Delle Donne says UNC is as good as their ranking indicates.
"They’re definitely quick, athletic, strong, have some great players. We have to rebound the ball. They crash the boards. And we also have to take care of the basketball because they play a pressure defense and they like to go for a lot of steals,” said Delle Donne.
The 31-3 Blue Hens own a school-record 26 game win streak following Sunday’s 66-53 first round tourney win over West Virginia.
North Carolina is 29-6 record after slipping past Albany 59-54 in its opening round contest.
Tonight’s game is a 7pm tip-off and it is sold-out.
