If you look closely 👀,  the eyes of Alyssa Ervin yesterday afternoon told a story. The fact that our Sophomore guard was able to give Coach Pierre Curtis 24 minutes of play yesterday, despite not feeling well, goes to mental strength.

In a game full of physical defense on both ends of the floor, the victory went to the Buccaneers after a tie-breaking 3-pointer in the closing seconds.

East Tennessee State University prides itself on playing in your face defense and they rode that to a 7-0 lead with 3:10 remaining in the first quarter. It was at that point that speculation about why Ervin didn’t start the game.

Standing at the free – throw line after being fouled, Ervin looked beyond worn out. But its worth noting that she still made both FT’s.

It was unfortunate that Furman was playing two games against the other top teams inside of 48 hours. Already playing without two key 🔑 players due to injury, having Ervin at less than 100% didn’t help.

Clare Coyle flirted with recording a double double by the halftime break.  Her heroic effort allowed the Paladins to lead 23 – 18 late in the second quarter. ETSU ended the first half in the same manner that they closed out the game, by beating the buzzer with a shot from arc.

Duke 46 – 16 at the break. Next Sunday UNC travels over to Cameron Indoor Stadium for a BIG GAME.

Raina McGowens did her best to play Robin to Coyle as Batman. Coyle never left the floor and McGowens logged 35 minutes, scoring 10 points and snagging six rebounds.

Samaria Taylor played an expanded role and the 5’7 guard scored 11 points in her 24 minutes. The team huffed and puffed across all 40 minutes, leading 55-53 after McGowens final basket 🧺. ETSU ended the game on a 5-0 run to complete their South Carolina double, having tripped up Wofford on Thursday night.

Get Well Soon to Alyssa and hopefully 🙏 we will see 6’3 Kyraha Parnell ( Galax) back on the court before too long. Parnell has been sidelined since her injury back on January 10th.

Mom’s Chicken 🐔 Soup 🍲 might help things along !

5 regular season games remaining and despite the recent setbacks, the Paladins have an exciting three weeks before heading to Ashville.

Final Score – UNC 84 -56

Last Media TO – Duke 86 – 35, 95 – 36 (F)

15th straight victory, 13-0 in the ACC

Brayden and Bryce Smoot will be returning to action 🎬 today with the Emory and Henry JV team providing the opponent.

Big, Big Day for our Special Olympics Basketball 🏀 teams as three groups will compete up at Roanoke College today !

Busy time for Vickey Ritchie and Friends with five dates 📅 circled on the calendar over the coming weeks. Here’s hoping 🙏 that today is everything and then some for the group !!.

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Have a Blessed Day !