the final game of this triple header number 17 Yukon taking on number 24 North Carolina as we welcome your court side once again Ryan ruko alongside the Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo so happy to be with you a long day at Mohan sun and another fun matchup to come an opportunity here for UNC bouncing back after a three-game losing streak earlier this season and their leader continues to be Deja Kelly yes the 58 senior has been able to get to her spots all throughout her career and where is that spot it's right there The Sweet Spot the elbow and when she's there she's effective she can score she's athletic get to the rim range out to the three-point line as well incredibly effective drawing fouls getting to the free throw line simply a scorer at all three levels you see the numbers for Deja Kelly last four games averaging 172 points per meanwhile for Connecticut Aaliyah Edwards has played really well after coming back from the came and is yeah ellot Edwards coming off her first double double of the season 18 points 12 boards against Ball State in their last game and they need so much from her at 62 brings it in terms of size she's got the range out to 15 or 17 ft very capable passer but the leader needs to lead for Connecticut cuz they've got a lot of young guys on the floor now see the last two games the numbers for Aaliyah Edwards very strong as we send things over now to another Hall of Fame for Holly Rook well for the Yukon Huskies you look at their record and say what is going on three losses this early in this season but to understand the huies you've got to understand what's happening to them from an injury perspective it has been wild they are down four key players right now including two starters a fud is out for the season with an ACL tear Caroline D extended period out we do not know when she'll return with a neck injury Janet L Alie is out with an Achilles and aanna Patterson they just announced this week will probably be out for the entire season complications from knee surgery Gina or said it's just one of those kinds of years but I will tell you what Courtney banghard and UNCC said they still have paig Beckers and Aaliyah Edwards and they are 70% of their scoring so they will still have their hands full with this husky team even though they are short-handed no doubt Holly thank you very much you heard the Applause for paig Beckers as you might imagine here in Connecticut a very heavy Yukon Crow you see the numbers for Beckers this season remember the last time she was fully healthy she was the national Player of the Year as a freshman Gino Orma 39th season at the Helm of the Connecticut Huskies he's been very honest about the injuries and not only the way they've affected his team on the floor but also the dismay he and his coaching staff and the players have felt from having to deal with him yet again it's been a staple of recent series seasons as Holly detailed and meanwhile for UNC Courtney bangar has done such a nice job with this program three straight tournament trips a lot of excitement going into this season some struggle moments early dealing with a lot of injuries but a team that feels they have an opportunity to beat an alltime program today Connecticut 37 and one all time in this building the only loss a couple of seasons ago to Louisville as Edwards tips it back must be able to flag it down though for UNC crowd will stand here until Conneticut scores as this functions as a def facto home game for the Huskies Kelly pull up good there you go there's the midrange so good there and Connecticut with a small lineup this is a lineup they started their last game for the first time this season you see today's starting lineup brought to by investco QQQ essentially Paige Beckers is the four with this lineup Edwards can't hit and the rebound tilts out of bounds to North Carolina here's unc's Invesco QQQ starting lineups Lexi dinari coming off a huge performance scoring 22 points six of eight from three last time out Kelly gets it away to Indian Nar down low us spe traveled and UNC turns it over but that's something that North Carolina worked on in their practice last night they really feel feel like usby will have the advantage because of the small lineup That Yukon is running that she will have a smaller defender on her and can post them up Edwards just dropped it there into the lap of deja Kelly pushing pace for UNC Kelly flips it in with the left [Music] hand Deja Kelly scores the first four points of this game here's Beckers from Connecticut needs to score they give these fans a chance to sit Edwards does just that aah Edwards has been very efficient the last couple of games that's what we've got accustomed to a season ago Kelly gets the roll strong start for Deja Kelly who listened to your scouting report on herself I mean how about Daisy KY she came out looking to score Edwards kicks ashin shade no long rebound snared by gang usby good defense from shade pesky in there to knock it away here's mule pass deflected Arnold trying to save it could not and Ukon turns it over Deja Kelly is an explosive athlete you see her here right to left able to get in and finish with the nice scoop shot and then again coming down left side giving it up get it back what can you do pull up that's what she loves to do mid-range sweet spot and she is a dangerous passer from that mid-range as well well Leah Edwards checks out dealing with a bloody nose so what was already a small lineup maybe gets a little bit smaller with Aubrey Griffin at the five Edwards the projected number five pick in the latest ESPN WNBA mock draft we saw the lottery leading it this congratulations to the Indiana Fever with the number one overall pick the one advantage for Connecticut with this lineup is they certainly can switch one through five cuz they are all relatively small pull up jumper from Nar won't go and usby is fouled on the attempted rebound by NA mule first personal on mu J Oro was telling his team this morning all of you are rebounding today we have to rebound as a team team because they are giving up so much size inside Kelly peering in dishing out garski tend to shoot uspy fires it taken by Griffin third turnover already for North Carolina Arnold Jitters into the paint and gets the whistle KK Arnold a quick first step and we'll go to the line to shoot two this particular concut lineup can have an advantage if they play fast we just saw them with a really nice defensive stop and then pushing the other way gang whistled for the personal her first and UNCC quick huddled up I don't understand why do you have to have rebounders like they made him put rebound if a coach wants to have all her players out I I understand it's a rule but it well they shouldn't have to be in especially on the first shot no no we're I I'm going to disagree with you partner because it serves then as Edwards gets ready to check back in as a time out right because you're able to Quick communicate something to your entire team and and it's going to lengthen the game because then every time you're trying to get five players back down there so does a monitor review and we have plenty of those usually they serve a bigger function one could beg to differ knocked out of bounds and another chance here for Connecticut [Applause] here's Arnold short on a three Edwards back in paper in nose keeping the possession alive Beckers pull up jumper rims out good work by gang on the [Applause] rebound Nar spins can't finish knocked out of bounds and at last hit Connecticut it's going to stay here with [Applause] UNC 13th meeting all time between these teams Connecticut has won five straight UNC last beat Connecticut in January of 2007 Kelly splits the D lost the ball and then Arnold is fouled as Beckers hit the deck fourth turnover from UNC dja Kelly was calling for the on ball screen able to split it so well usby whistled for the personal her first Asia Kelly the senior Guard from San Antonio Texas all ACC first team each of the past two [Applause] years deckers [Applause] mu lets it fly no good battle on the boards with Edwards and goang and hold on a second the officials are going to confer and it was interesting cuz Ayah Edwards almost just seemed resigned to the call and was like she obviously touched it and my forsberg saw it came sprinting in to change the call Beckers slides a beautiful pass that Edwards could not handle and are they conferring yeah I think they're conferring again Billy Smith's having a little trouble with these out of bounds to begin this game but that's why it's a team effort as that clearly hits the leg of usby Eder slides it in p the foul a chance for three for Paige Beckers so twice what did we see we've seen on ball screens with Aaliyah Edwards and Paige get Beckers it's the out of bounds play here really difficult to defend how do you handle it and no hedge out because you have to stay with Edwards and then Beckers a really nice job finishing with a heck of a lot of contact the picks up the personal her first Beckers on the season averaging 19 points 49% from the flooor 46% from three projected as the number two overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft if she comes out has not committed one way or another yet although the feeling has been she's more likely to stay than not but that's just a [Applause] feeling KN dang travels and it's the fifth UNC turnover right we just picking up on tea leaves out there I think we are yes that would be that is my feeling as well right whereas maybe the feeling would be slightly different with Caitlin Clark it might [Music] be how are you feeling it's your third game in a row I feel really good okay good we watch some great basketball today Griffin stood up nicely there by usby the collected Arnold zigzags can't finish Edwards pushing it too strong and a shot clock violation nice defensive stand there from North Carolina and a Timeout on the floor halfway through the first tie at six halfway through the first quarter UNC and Yukon tied at six the earliest in Connecticut's history that they have ever had three losses certainly Yukon with their smaller lineup will extend their full court pressure [Applause] and Kelly near lost it already five turnovers from UNC HBY into the corner catch fire no good for Nar and Griffin the rebound and usby picks up her second usby a key player for North Carolina and the senior picks up her second foul here in the first quarter she does so many things for the team she's a terrific rebounder pursuing the basketball when it comes off the rim set screens assists does pretty much everything that North Carolina needs it's a North Carolina team that has been very very good on the defensive end this season their offense can come and go they need to give Becker shots here on the foul from dinari start of the try Rebecca yeah yeah I think that's that's three free throws for Paige Beckers yes it is when you talked about North Carolina you know this is something that we heard coach pck talking about as well in general they've been so good protecting the basketball and early on in this game five turnovers for a team that averages just 11 per game yes this review isn't about foul non foul that's that's not what's going on here this is just about out two or three free throws which clearly it's three I thought it was just to enhance my argument from earlier about getting the extra time out during a review well you know what both teams did huddle with their coaches they did and of course the offensive team can pull their players off the free throw line if they choose so they call usby for that foul it is her third wait hold on a second this is clearly not uspy that is very clearly dinari so that's going to get changed as the coaching staff is trying to figure it out right now with the officials and Billy Smith is assuring now this is just me trying to interpret body language from across the floor but it seemed to me Billy Smith was assuring the UNC assistance no no no no no that foul was on dinari cuz they were saying who they just announced usby Denari can't hit rebound Edwards so regardless of what gets announced at some point that will get cleaned up and usby will just have two shade connects out of three when shade makes shots she does this like Tiger Wood's fist bump that is very sweet and freshman like yay it it just went in I did that zarski can't hit here's Arnold pushing pace for Connecticut on a 90 run and turned over the fourth of the quarter for Connecticut Ashlin shade this is what she can do is make threes and just watch her like yes Mom it went in love it at 17 on Wednesday into the starting lineup Kelly trying to fend off Arnold and that's going to be an offensive foul on Deja Kelly in the sixth turnover from UNC watch her right forearm here as she goes in and just kind of pushes off on KK Arnold but Deja Kelly's been the one she's been the one who's been effective scoring for North Carolina Arnold who G or has told us is the player who is most ready to contribute defensively amongst his freshman Connecticut relying so much more on its Freshman Class than they anticipated thanks to all those injuries that Holly highlighted out the outset Griffin got free and lays it in again an instance where overall North Carolina has done good things defensively held Yukon to 36% so far but they're just struggling another turnover and you could see gourney bangar had her arms out like what are we doing yeah that's a mystified face seven turnovers now for UNC this is a team that's one of the best teams in the nation at protecting the basketball and they' played against good defensive [Applause] teams ma mule gives it away Connecticut's turned it over five times themselves here's Kelly low pass handled the push shot won't go from Nar and now ni mule pushing pace for Connecticut who set a program assist record a season ago as Beckers has a knocked out of bound a Tuesday on ESPN 2 22nd rank Duke host hofstr Cameron Indoor Stadium tune in at 7 Eastern or catch it on the ESPN app UNC has not scored in the last 6 minutes and 5 Seconds go for their last seven and add in some Miss shots I mean turnover wow what a finish page Beckers on the diving reverse Ria Kelly knocks in the jumper and that ends a 130 Connecticut run here's Griffin Beering taking missing rebound gang here's Kelly and nearly another turnover Salvage by Anya p in the corner Deja Kelly can't hit goang the floor rebound and a timeout taken by Courtney [Applause] bangart we've seen Paige Beckers do a lot of exciting things over the years but how about this finish as she takes it to the bucket weaving through we see you Paige well you see UNC started three of three and they're one of nine since meanwhile Connecticut reverse started two of nine they three of four six and North Carolina had their success early all those buckets were from Deja Kelly getting good things when she was putting the ball on the floor like to see it in her her hands can the points for UNC have only been scored by Kelly's Deja and Ria on with the basketball right now kadence Samuels another Connecticut freshman into the game and a whistle here against na mule as she was jockeying with Deja that is the second foul on mule nice screen set for Kelly to come off and mule trying to fight through it but certainly a [Applause] foul andari off to Rah Kelly seven to shoot Kelly the crossover into the paint she goes left it short got dang on the follow a 1510 Yukon lead about a 14-second difference game in shot [Applause] CL shade fires long two and knocks it down no fist pump that time I think the the only threes are worthy of the fist pump right if the foot's on the line the fist pump stays in the [Applause] holster shot clock is turned off Kelly taken away mule got to it Edwards racing to the cup the fling is away and just short from Rah Kelly that'll do it for the first quarter Connecticut a 1910 lead over North Carolina hly will talk with Courtney banghart when we return well Connecticut at moan Sun certainly a friendly plays for them to play Deja Kelly got going early but Ashlin shade responded here's Holly with Courtney bangart well coach bangart you reminded your team that they're not playing Brianna Stewart bamore all the big names of Yukon but this crowd is pro Yukon how do you think they've handled that competitively so far yeah I mean it's a great environment for women's basketball you know six good teams here and and clearly it shows right and uh we've got to settle down a little bit I know we're a little beat up but we've got to the guys that are in have to be a little bit more settled you have done well defensively early in that first quarter but how do you get a little more offensive production yeah I mean I think in some cases there's a lot of contact so we're going to have to show our hands and move through the contact so that we can get to our spots a little bit better thanks so much coach I appreciate it start of the second quarter Ryan ruko and a couple of Hall of Famers Rebecca Lobo and Holly row with you as usby is back on the floor she sat the last five minutes of that first picked up two fouls that was erroneously assigned a third as Beckers finishes over dinari they just fixed that you wonder if she would have been on the floor or not because with too early there's a good chance she's on the bench regardless yes Connecticut has been on an extended 194 run Denari Catch Fire and hit on a gorgeous pass from gang gang got triple team you don't want to leave Lexi dinari because she is North Carolina's best three-point shooter you're all right leaving most others but not her 40% on the season Edwards quick move got dang able to reject it and it's out of bounds last it Griffin UNC [Applause] basketball UNC with eight turnovers in that first quarter as we send things over to Holly you know I talked at length yesterday with Courtney banghart she's really built this North Carolina team on defense they are getting stops getting out out and she really says that their identity is at its best when they're moving the ball not a lot of dribbling like this when they zip it when they get back in transition offensively they are at their best they don't want to play against these set defenses like we're seeing in the last few possessions wow yeah H cuz then that happens what a rejection from Griffin and it ends up with Beckers of and running for Connecticut Beckers bounces behind Edwards in the sixth Connecticut turnover Aubrey Griffin is an elite athlete and gets beat by a step but can Elevate really nice job and then Samuel's keeping the ball in bounds saving the [Applause] possession that is short rebounded by Griffin Arnold zipping into the paint flips it in [Applause] largest lead for Connecticut in a foul here against Kaden samels interesting talking to G or about Kaden Samuels earlier him kind of saying you know she's the one freshman who you know there's no hesitation with knows what she does and she going to go in and shoot away that's good paraphrasing to remove the words you can't say on TV all all positive though that's right right number 41 rrw b d whistle the pass off of Samuels out of bounds hey next Sunday catch the women's basketball showdown between the Purdue boiler makers and number 14 Notre Dame at no Eastern watch it live on the ACC Network and the app those teams have not matched since 2012 in state rivalry thear ski good looking shot the transfer from Iowa State and coming up with a steal is usby seventh turnover from Connecticut here is Kelly she got it nice response from UNC it's a five-point game an 82 run from North [Applause] Carolina Beckers five to shoot Beckers two to shoot Beckers leaning and hitting that possession though is one of the things we've seen from Connecticut more this season than in the past a lot of standing around not a ton of touches by a variety of players and then Becker's bailing him out oh nice lead from Kelly to gang for two R Kelly's looked good since coming in been really really good impactful Becker's with 11 Arnold can't finish it Edwards no rebound got [Applause] down HBY through the traffic and Connecticut needs a timeout North Carolina has cut it to three welcome back to moan Sun Arena where Paige Becker's 11 points have helped Yukon to get a three-point lead and these points have not come easy she's been able to finish tough shots inside a little dup to do to get it in as well mid-range pull-ups with arms right there contesting it hasn't come easy for Paige Beckers but she's been able to pull him through a Point shy 1,000 for her career as we sent things over to Holly in that last time out Gina orama of Yukon said we have got to play more together too many people are standing around I want to see us get back into better offensive flow let's get out in transition let's run in transition he wants them to try to run some elbow action consistently until they can stop it for North Carolina and he said just too much standing around where is the screening to his point just four first half his his so 100% Holly and there's the elbow action you're talking about getting the entry into the elbow player which there was Aubrey Griffin mu steps into a three and knocks it down just amazed at the professionalism of Hol Ro to be able to give that report with the band bearing down on her truly she had Trumpets on her shoulder here's usie unable to finish on the follow dcang gets it to [Applause] go you hear Nick amule yell out elbow there listening to coach or but they still need Cutters when the ball goes to the Elbow there's usually strong side cutter going to the basket Samuels and mule get a little jumbled up there ice Brady in for Connecticut jab step jumper no you don't to talk to today about how if ice Brady doesn't hit her first shot sometimes she can struggle a little with confidence as usby gets a second crack at it here not shy why not USP that's one area where Courtney bangheart says she has improved as her footwork around the rim still very good going either to her right or left [Applause] hand good cut there that's what you're talking about with the elbow action and Brady fed it no finish in on the inside from Griffin though [Applause] dinari Kelly asking for dinari to [Applause] come they coming up on the Jeep halftime [Applause] report Chris button and two coaches Carolyn PC Stephanie white our friends coming up Caitlyn Clark leads Iowa to a win against Wisconsin and then perhaps related the fever win the first overall pick the WNBA draft that's the cheap halftime [Applause] report goang lays it in Ving playing some good minutes here and UNC has tied it at 28 nice job going over her Baseline shoulder Samuels no God dang another rebound for eigh to the half here's Ria Kelly pulling up no and Edwards the rebound bodies Collide but Connecticut retains possession Connecticut was up by 11 and youc has completely erased it 2110 was that Yukon lead Sams hops dishes out of bounds and that is the eighth Connecticut turnover of the first half North Carolina is done a nice job holding Connecticut to only nine points here in the second quarter offense has not looked good and a related note Paige Becker's back in the Ball [Applause] Game Stops and lays it in UNC its first lead since it was 65 five gorgeous dime from mule to Samuels for two great job by the Freshman to run the floor and then nikam mule can certainly deliver it to open teammates and is knocked into the back court Edwards after it so is Kelly and Kelly touched it while out of bounds so it's Connecticut basketball what great effort by Aaliyah Edwards this is a 6-2 player who hard Hedges sees the loose ball and then just Dives for it nice job by the official Kelly's ankle was barely her heel was barely on It While She Was Out of Bounds I think that official was my for one of the best yes Samuels checks out so it's mule Arnold Edwards Jade and Beckers for Connecticut Dean Ry Kelly gang dinari and usby for UNC Edwards back door beakers for two very effective elbow action here in the second quarter right that was a foretelling report from Holly roow Deja Kelly there's that mid-range and she's money from [Music] [Applause] mid-range Beckers gets position Waits and finishes Deckers with 15 points on six of seven shooting and mule doing a much better job Distributing here in this second yeah that was an outstanding post entry pass by niik mule Kelly musling through and gets the whistle KK Arnold thought it should have been offensive she already baited one of those today Lee Edwards is a terrific passer from the elbow that time Paige Becker's went back door able to get it and then Nik mule and perfectly delivered postentry pass as Becker was posting up the smaller dinari that is the third foul on na [Applause] mule that was a mu that's what I'm confused about as well looked like it was Arnold who was guarding Kelly now they did just switch the call well I don't even know if it was on Arnold but if it was on somebody on Yukon it was on Arnold they did just switch it to Arnold rather than a phantom third foul on [Applause] mu [Applause] shade seven is shoot Beckers fading away no rebound out of bounds off of Edwards and it's UNC basketball you got a one-point lead 120 to go in this second quarter third game of a triple header here at Mohan Sun UCLA the number two team of the nation beating Florida state in the opener number one South Carolina holding off number 11 Utah in the second game here number 17 Yukon a one-point lead on number 24 UNC Kelly great look and got go dang lays it in G dang with a great job posting up to clear Edwards out and have that space to get the easy two 10 rebounds eight 10 points eight rebounds in this first half for G dang G dang nicely done here comes the dipping inside and it's steered away Beckers running the break bounces to Arnold who gets blocked but Beckers there for the follow 17 in this first half from Paige Beckers she has 10 in this second quarter and a one-point Connecticut lead and a foul here as Kelly gets hit and we'll go to the line Becker is now twoo shy of 1,000 for her career she is the last six Connecticut points ASA Kelly who's been tremendous in this first half takes a moment after taking a shot on the drive Ria Kelly averages 13 minutes a game on the season already 12 very productive minutes here in this first half is she going to play more than that today yes oh she got smacked right in the face a foul given to ashle and shade for first and Kelly misses the first free throw [Applause] gets the second tied at 36 shot clock turned off Ona P checks in for Kelly for this final possession here's mule over to Beckers who's had a huge first half Beckers posting fishing Edwards can't hit and that'll do it for the first half F action in Uncasville Yukon and UNC tied at 36 Paige Becker's two-o shy of a th000 for her career and has 17 in this first half Paige Beckers with a big time putb here after the Arnold Miss done a little bit of everything and Beckers is with Holly well Paige this has been a very physical first half North Carolina known for their defense how have you been able to find your spots and be very physical with your finishes I think just trying to get out and transition get easy buckets we know they're half court defense when their set is very good so we're just trying to get Buckets and get easy transition layups threes opportunities before they get their defense set you really messed up our halftime interview because if you would have scored right there you would score a thousand points but you dished it off to your teammates how do you balance your scoring and your unselfishness yeah think when I'm aggressive first um then my teammates get open then these passes are open so just coming out of the gate with an aggressive mentality aggressive uh mindset trying to get my looks and then everybody else will be open I think is a key we'll get a th000 in the second half how's that all right all right Paige Becker is always a fun interview tied at 36 UNC and Yukon time to send things to the studio Chris budon Carolyn Beck Stephanie white have the Jeep halftime report for you when you can pass out to your three-point Shooters that's a bonus and of course Paige Beckers we've documented how she has been able to get the spots she wants to get to since she was a freshman in stores and she has just continued to hit shots that are well defended has had Poise whether she's shooting in the mid-range or the post and getting to the offensive class in that first half as well Becker's two point shy of a th000 for her career you take a look at her shot chart we're going to take a look at first half stats they are brought to you by Discount Tire you see Beckers with the 70 points of 7even of nine shooting and the difference in the field goals quarter to quarter for UNC as we check in with Holly Roose well I saw both the North Carolina Coach bangart talking to Alyssa sby before this game started or before this half started she wants her to be a little bit more balanced off of her attack I think they're sensing that they have an advantage in the post right now and then I saw their other assistant working with acting to go over her shoulder and attack the shoulder of the Yukon Defender better one big note though Rah Kelly will not return after that hit here is Beckers laying it in for her 1,000th Career Point Paige Beckers her 1,000 Career Point on a running layup to open the second half Arnold Jitters and gets blocked out of BS but a foul and here is our play of the game brought to you by Invesco QQQ Paige Beckers with for 1000th Career Point Paige Beckers attacking the rim getting to 1,000 defense to offense ends up on her back but how about this young woman she have just been able to hit from everywhere today I mean today she has looked like vintage pige 19 points eight of 10 from the floor and tied for the fastest in Yukon history getting to 1,000 career points Maya Moore did it in 55 games as well it's pretty incredible considering the number of scorers who have worn the Husky uniform considering the program 11 national championships think about all the talent in the pros throughout the years got say can't finish the Holly with some really important information when you consider North Carolina's hopes to win this game about Ria Kelly and being unlikely to return in this game we saw Kelly take a shot to the face at the very end of the first half on a drive and Kelly was so impactful once she came in Off the Bench a shade missfires on a three rebound flag down by dinari especially since Kayla mcferson is out for this game she has played lead guard for them in seven games this season backy or no on the three from [Applause] Nar Pina Paris also out for UNC here's Arnold she got it out of three KK Arnold entered this game just three of five thus far this season from downtown now Beckers on the steel Beckers lays it in Connecticut certainly with a different intens and defensive energy to start the first two minutes here of the third quarter Paige Becker scooping it through this young woman now has [Music] a,2 get a chance to take a look one more time at Paige Becker's thousandth Point came off a steal from KK Arnold just going the other away beautifully done how hard would Paige Beckers was running the floor 21 points on nine of 11 from the floor and she ties Maya Moore for the fewest games in program history to reach 1,000 career points Denari can't hit good start to this third for Connecticut an 80 burst out of the gates Becker slings it mule you [Music] that was a really nice assist Paige Beckers has looked terrific tonight now coming down forcing a steal Becker's on the floor with it and the possession arrow belongs to Connecticut it's all about getting the ball to the open shooter and here wraps it around I mean that is a tough pass but delivers it right on the money from mule big performance thus far for Paige Beckers as check in with Holly row well you see the joy that Paige Beckers is playing with 584 days she went without basketball and for a young woman who doesn't just love basketball she lives basketball it was pure torture getting back on the floor this is such a privilege for her and she is soaking up every second you see the joy in her play celebrating to the crowd and celebrating with her teammates yeah Holly and it's it's such a good point and I think it's helped her even be able to deal with the adversity Connecticut has had to deal with when it comes to the injuries we talked with Paige at Texas last weekend before the Longhorns beat the Huskies about you know what's this feel like for you you guys thought you're finally going to be healthy and now a flud done for the season Caroline duch we don't really know when she's comeing back he already lost a couple of bigs and Al Al and patteron she said you know being out that year taught her to have perspective and to be just grateful that she's on the flooor able to play the game she loves she said it also taught her how to keep those players involved realizing what she liked while she was out what she experienced as an injured player one of the hardest things when you're injured is not feeling a part of the team and so she said in particular when it comes to a fud and douch charm she's going to do the best she can to make sure they still have that feeling of being involved their shade fading no rebound taken on the Run by usie usie sees a seam dashes inside what a rejection but then the follow is [Music] good Paige Becker is looking at her teammates like why didn't anyone go get that basketball after my beautiful block that's got to be Paige's most ferocious block of her career bule short Beckers getting in the way of Navar oh Deja Kelly separates can't finish KK Arnold and Deja Kelly have been going out it all game long but a very physical defensive matchup look at Paige Becker's coming from the weak side elevates long arms and then afterward it's like how come nobody went and got that for me seven-point Connecticut lead under six to go on the third quarter final game of a triple header here in moan Sun Denari nice move just left his short Aubrey Griffin in Off the Bench for Connecticut calls in the rebound Edwards getting a breather for the Huskies Arnold Jitters dishes traveled before she did hey December 19th on ESPN 2 catch some more Hoops action with the women's Jumpman Invitational matchup between any of these number 24 UNC Tar Hills and the Oklahoma Sooners at 9:30 Eastern 8:30 Central Rebecca what do you think about Connecticut and the small lineup they are playing for a second game in a row I think it can be really good when uh when they can make it have their defense turn into offense we've seen some opportunities for them to get Steals and pushing the other way when their offense was least fluid in the first half was the really short period of time where aiyah Edward W and Ice Brady were in there together so you understand why they have gone small for stretches and this is the you know the makeup of the smallest lineup we've seen without either Brady or Edwards in the game yeah I don't even know who you consider the four Beckers and that puts Griffin as the five [Applause] [Music] yes sh clock down to three here Arnold's going to have to put it up she does as he gets denied by Kelly and then they're going to call the shot clock violation as Deja Kelly was Off to the Races and Courtney bangard is saying oh just let her go Deja Kelly says I see your small lineup and I give you a block oh yeah she could have been off for two paig Beckers has been all over the place in this third quarter certainly has getting it done on both the defensive and offensive end she has three steals to accompany her 21 points and then a couple of blocks as well you just see her getting involved being pesty getting all over the floor and then this is the block I mean probably the play of the game even though she scored her thousandth point I think the block might be her play of the game c Becker's numbers been efficient has been effective on both ends Connecticut holding on to a five point lead 445 to go in the third dumps it down gang spins inside can't lay it in as Griffin tried to hang as that small ball five Beckers Banks it up and in what a beautiful finish Paige Beckers has made some incredibly tough buckets today dorski lines it up no rebound on the inter interor and the putb is Good from the bar yeah Connecticut undersized every player has to box out North Carolina really good job attacking the offensive [Applause] glass 13th meeting all time between these teams Connecticut's one five straight mule shovels it out Beckers connects 26 on 11 of 13 shooting for Beckers the only thing she hadn't done today offensively was make a three and here just steps into it drains it yes Ryan she certainly looks like the player of the year we saw as a freshman making those WNBA GM start to really hope she comes out we saw the lottery earlier today Indiana the first pick La the second and Phoenix in Seattle inside got dang able to finish you see Beckers versus the rest of the Connecticut team and you know that is going to be part of their story moving forward is the load that paig Beckers has to endure because of the rest of the injury as Edwards finishes on the interior she comes into the game and right away Yukon run some elbow action can't finish here comes Beckers Beckers swivels kns it out wasn't going to be enticed into a heat check here's the elbow action with Edwards Edwards cuts through beautifully and draws the foul on G and Edwards is going to shoot a pair the Edwards has had a relatively quiet afternoon only eight field goal attempts on the day but the last two times give her the ball on the left elbow let her go to work 5446 Connecticut in front of North Carolina 257 to go in the third quarter Rebecca if there is a a path to the final four for this Connecticut team despite their injuries you would think it's going to go through performances like today from Paige Beckers maybe not 11 of 13 but where she is just by Far and Away the most dominant player on the floor for the final four it will have to be that yeah with a heavy dose of Aaliyah Edwards as well dinari loses it last hit dinari who's perplex thought it had last hit [Applause] Beckers 14th turnover for UNC their season high is 15 mentioned they're one of the better teams in the nation at protecting the basketball but not this afternoon against Connecticut and this small lineup mule Works Baseline good shovel Edwards drops it in aiah Edwards back in Off the Bench and making big [Applause] contributions no gets it back to Asia Kelly deia four of 10 from the floor and an offensive foul that's going to be the 15th UNC turnover hey tomorrow we'll have two not one but two Monday Night Football games at 8 Eastern 5 Pacific the AFC East leading Dolphins host the Titans on ESPN and ESPN JZ and then on ABC Jordan love and the Packers take on saquan Barkley and the Giants Payton and Eli will be on ESPN 2 breaking down both games with limited commercial interruption everything is also on ESPN plus Edwards can't pop it in gri does plus the foul the charge here recently has come in the paint starting with leyah Edwards getting some good look and then Aubrey Griffin on the offensive glass as well 70 Connecticut run this is their largest lead of the day it's up to 13 remember these teams were tied at the half as griffing completes the three-point [Applause] play Bia Kelly and a foul underneath is going to go against Edwards we saw the last possession down de KY had gotten the offensive foul on KK Arnold you're right that has been a fun battle to watch between those two it's a heck of a test for the Freshman Arnold as Beckers checks out here the Ovation for Paige and a whistle here against Connecticut Yukon 37 And1 all time in this building their only loss couple of years ago against Louisville outscored UNC 24-10 in this third quarter usy can't Bank it in knocked back to her shovels underneath putot back won't go usby another chance here Navar left it short and knew it but Griffin ends up with a rebound remember as Holly told us UNC without Ria Kelly in this second half she made such a difference off the bench in the first half already playing without Paulina Paris and kayb mcperson [Applause] Edwards deep catch holds it high Banks it in especially when Paige Beckers is out of the game Leah Edwards needs to be the scoring anchor for Connecticut [Applause] a 10 oh Connecticut run and a foul here against [Applause] Connecticut I mean these two have just been banging and here in this possession like their arms get intertwin certainly a foul there stop looking at me like that UNC in the bonus so Ana pool is going to go to the [Applause] line 46 seconds left in this third and P misses the first Ana pool a senior now is part of Courtney bang AR's first recruit class at UNC see North Carolina two of seven from the line as a team and get that one to Dr cool the player who started over the course of the last two seasons accepted her role this year coming in off the bench that free throw ended a 10 Connecticut run Griffin gets it out new will wide open she got it third three of the game for Nik mule UNC hurrying with the shot box turned off they do get a layup as usby lays it in lot of time left though for Connecticut to operate Arnold step back no and that will do it for the third quarter Connecticut a big third the out score UNC 29-13 Holly will talk with Gina Orma in just a moment what a night for Paige Beckers 1,000 career points and a whole lot more 26 on the night so far well Paige Beckers has reached a th000 career points today and has been terrific 26 points on 11 of 13 shooting moment ago Holly Rog caught up with G Ori coach Ori Paige Becker's getting her thousandth point the fastest to do it tied with Maya Mo what are you seeing from Paige today she seems back to kind of vintage paig yeah I mean she's trying really hard to uh make a lot of things happen which I really really like um I i' like to see a lot more activity from the rest of us you know so it it makes a little bit easier on her but uh you know when she's aggressive like this and she's really and it starts on the defensive end also um she just gives herself opportunities and you know you see her she scores a lot of different ways um yeah I just want to keep her keep her in that mindset for the rest of the season you've gone with this small lineup at times what do you do here in the fourth quarter to kind of keep in this game and gain that separation I think um I think probably we've got to play it by year you know I think we've got to we got to play to our strengths and sometimes though we've gota we've got to go big when we have to but my preference is to stay small uh so as long as we can hold our own down air then I like it thank you coach you're welcome oh so far today you see the numbers for Beckers Connecticut a minus8 on the glass but that's a manageable number when you're playing as small as Connecticut is If you're receiving all the other benefits of it on the reverse nice finish there from Nar and even with North Carolina in terms of points in the paint turnover here mule tried to squeeze it in traic usby busts in can't finish Griffin comes back to strong hand the rebound and gets fouled by Deja Kelly that will be the third foul on Kelly who started this game strongly first couple of buckets of the game belong to Kelly but quiet since as shade just didn't look quite ready for it and but that's partly on mu you can't throw a pass to a player who doesn't realize the pass is being thrown garski can to three nice job by goang on the board in the pass but no finish there from us one of the things with Connecticut offensively this season that's been different from seasons in the past is they're only averaging 15 assists per game right I mean this is a team that's been in the top 10 for the past two DEC when it comes to sharing the basketball and it's not hyperbole that is literal as ashy shade knocks in [Applause] another for second three of the game and the lead is 17 for Connecticut Yukon shooting the ball really well from Perimeter today seven of 14 meanwhile North Carolina just two of nine for three-point range as Beckers will come and get mule other than the last couple turnovers like it's been a better game for na mule who has nine points five assists and once again KK Arnold and Deja Kelly they're battling they're competing with one another yeah it's the six turnovers for na that are the blemish in this game for her [Applause] into the corner usby will take the mid-range instead no Arnold stepped out of bounds that was a well defended possession by the by Connecticut though Edwards is a very capable perimeter Defender when she helps out and Connecticut will live with usby taking a mid-range [Applause] pullup good atmosphere for the final game of this triple header as Deja Kelly gets it to drop this arena hosts a whole lot of women's basketball with the Connecticut Sun who've had consistent success in recent years North Carolina once again extending into the three quter court in terms of their pressure Connecticut handles it better this time in the corner Griffin run off loses the basketball un has it the V then gives it away and it last hit Connecticut it's going to be UNC ball Leah Edwards meanwhile took a shot at some point in that scramble and ended up on the deck she got something to the [Applause] [Music] [Applause] gut 68 53 Connecticut in front a little more than 2 minutes to go in this fourth ran ruko Rebecca Lobo Holly row with you appreciate hanging out all day long for college hoops here on ESPN as us couldn't finish and now Becker is going to slow things down a [Applause] [Applause] bit f going to go against UNC hey December 19th on ESPN 2 catch some more Hoops action with the women's Jumpman Invitational match up between number 24 UNC and the Oklahoma Sooners at 9:30 Eastern 8:30 Central hopefully Tar Heels will be slightly more healthy by that point or fully more healthy that would be even better that would be wonderful oh mule and shade once again not on the same page here's Edwards barreling in gets denied by gang loose ball CS out to shade five to shoot shade puts it up no and it's out of bounds to [Applause] UNC nice job defensively by North [Applause] Carolina 6853 Connecticut in [Applause] front here's Kelly trying to turn the corner got met by mule and it's out of bounds off of Kelly it's Connecticut basketball as mule checks her [Applause] eye o she's got yeah scrape across the face I think that's a mule also trying to fix a contact there oh yeah got whacked in the face by Kelly I think a no call though was the right call it's unfortunate incidental contact but it is incidental Beckers trapped and going to take a time out 655 to 642 to go on this Fourth Connecticut a 6853 lead on UNC see the action earlier today UCLA A Winner South Carolina surviving 37 for Melissa peely and now Paige Beckers has been in total command 1,7 career points tied with mayam Moore getting to 1,000 for the fewest games in program history do you play Scrabble you know I have not played Scrabble in a really long time I was actually thinking about it the other day I don't know why you be uh uh loaded with points Invesco QQ Q that's true I mean there's only one Q in the Scrabble bag but it's worth 10 points points mule W that shot looked like it went in the crowd reacted but it did not go in I guess you know next time you're playing with Steve what you're going to you got it all peed up Steve look out you can play qat husband but I'm going to play inesa [Applause] QQQ that was a strange optical illusion with that Miss shot yes I thought it went in as well oh paig beers another ferocious rejection gor Emma said it's not just about her on the offensive end but on the defensive end as well we've seen her get multiple Steals and now here multiple blocks as well her third block Griffin comes up with a steal Griffin can't lay it in taken away by Nar who barrels into Beckers it's an offensive [Applause] foul so a block at one end and then just stepping in to take the charge wisely impacting everything both ends of the floor I guess that's still sort of the offensive end of the for she's just on defense you're right defensively on the offensive end correct that has been a complete Menace today both ends of the floor career-high three blocks beers no Edwards the offensive rebound no us spe comes away with it for North [Applause] Carolina Kelly can't push it in got gang gets whacked and Maria gang is going to shoot two after the foul on Aaliyah Edwards that will be her third goang has had a slightly quieter second half than her super impressive first half but still making her presence felt inside 12 points 13 rebounds Ana in to the game for India Nar [Applause] D their first free throws of the day it's the first Holly you know North Carolina under Courtney banghard is making some steady progress of course they'd like it to be going faster but she's in her Fifth Season she came from the ivy league and many of the seniors on this team signed as her first class I was talking to her seniors in deja Kelly Alysa usby and they said we believe in coach what she's trying to build just facing a really good Yukon team today but that shouldn't take away with the Improvement they've made no doubt about it Holly been very impressive what coach bangard has buildt for UNC meanwhile Becker's now with four blocks [Applause] today adding to her career high mule mule fading no rebound dinari under five minutes to go in this fourth dinari at three is good it's a 10-point game and Connecticut needs a timeout nice job by Lexi donarski in transition to stop and pop and get the three over 5 minutes into this fourth quarter North Carolina's held Yukon to only three fourth quarter points right it has felt like the game is completely in hand for Connecticut after they built a big lead and because UNC has not been able to compile any kind of consistent offense but it's very much still a game 10-point game 442 to go in the fourth Connecticut me non-conference games this season and they played the most difficult schedule in the nation lost at NC State before they were ranked well now NC State is Ed into the top five beat Maryland then lost to number two UCLA and then lost to at the time number 10 Texas who is now in the top five themselves and certainly UCLA and Texas in my eyes right now are National Championship contending teams NC State still has some young pieces but they have looked really good early this season as well Connecticut has not scored in the last four and a half minutes a 70 run from North Carolina that has been more like a steady job here's Edwards she got banged by gang and the foul is [Applause] called H gets it into Beckers thought about the three oh Beckers nearly lost it P to shoot Beckers over to mule into the corner shade rims out real opportunity here for North Carolina down just [Applause] 10 they're just three of 10 from three-point range in this game Kelly separates left it short again KK Arnold doing a nice job defensively I think Connecticut needs to be aggressive they continue to slow down the pace because they've got the lead but I feel like that has taken them out of the off offensive Rhythm they've had earlier in this game Rebecca it's such a great point it feels like they've spent the entire fourth quarter trying to bleed clock Edwards back iron no I mean and as a result they've scored just three points 5 and 1 half minute scoring drought doang center of the lane pivots gets deny by Edwards out to dinari she got it on a long two it is an eight-point game three minutes to go in the final game of our triple header a 90 UNC run over the last 6 minutes Connecticut has missed its last nine shots and again just taking a long time to get into anything and part of that this last possession was three4 court pressure by North Carolina but not the previous possessions to CLS down to six here Arnold with it down to four Arnold with it at two gives it up Edwards knocks it down well that was the ideal scenario for Connecticut use the entire shot clock and finish it with a [Applause] bucket usby dips in and finishes asby the fourth member of UNCC and double figures today mule finds Edwards good movement Beckers won't take extra feed mule cects fourth three of the day for na mule and that was a huge one that's going to be a foul on Arnold just sharing the basketball Yukon moves it around gets it to the middle pass plus one plus one plus one that's how you keep everybody happy on an offensive possession and when you will let that fly she actually had a pretty good contest from gang but still able to hit four threes ties a career high for Naik [Applause] mule FIA Kelly checks out for the first time in this [Music] game Navar dumps it to mule UNC turns it over they've done so 19 times a season High mule now certainly going to try and run some more clock and a foul underneath that's on gang and she is fouled [Applause] out a lot to like for Maria dang today though yeah she gets a standing ovation from the North Carolina crowd she certainly came out played hard was impactful used her size well inside Ayah Edwards misses the first free throw Edwards scored just four points in the first half has nine here in the second another double double for Ayah Edwards her second consecutive hits the second free throw 124 to go Connecticut lead is back to 12 Pia Kelly back [Applause] in she's been held to five of 13 shooting in this game Kelly able to separate from mule Navar Navar on the spin lays it in beautifully done by Indian Nar under a minute to go some pressure from North Carolina Arnold able to break it with Paige Beckers not keeping her feet in bounds on the midcourt line Edwards finishes that should do it here in Connecticut Edwards a big second half 12 points since halftime rebound to Beckers two second Difference game and shot clock what a performance from Paige Beckers 26 points on 11 of 14 shooting a career-high four blocks was all over the floor Edwards as the pass deflected gets it back clock and a shot clock violation 2.3 [Applause] left and that will do it Connecticut handles North Carolina [Applause] 7664 the final at Mohan Sun a huge game from Paige Beckers and gin Orma Squad improves to 38 and one all time in this [Music] building to Conneticut trying to chart that path to a deep postseason run despite all the injuries today a performance to build [Music] on playing with a smaller line Paige Beckers at the four spot sometimes the three the two and the one and coming through with the Victory and sometimes standing right next to Holly rooll well Paige an incredible day for you today you tie the fastest to get to a th000 points with Maya Moore what does that mean to you the kind of legendary Yukon star yeah I mean May is one of the goats so to be in that space it's just amazing it's just a test H to all that my teammates have done for me all that my coaches have done for me I'm just a product of what they do for me so extremely grateful and and it's an an honor to be next to her you know it's really something because you have missed a lot of time too to do it but tell me also about your defense and your resilience today I don't know if it was the shooting sleeve or what but I I felt like I was just trying to contribute to winning any way that I can I feel like if I play hard on the defensive end stuff goes better for me on offense so just trying to set the tone for what our team needs to work on and what our younger guys want to follow um and just giving it on on the defensive end cuz that set a t for our offense thank you so much and congrats it's nice to see you back on on the court thriving page thank you I appreciate it thank you huge day from Paige Beckers huge day from our crew here at moan son of a triple Ed for producer Carri KH our director Mike Griffin Rebecca Lobo Holly roow and everybody else at ESPN I'm Ryan ruko coming up next it's sports center with Nicole and Max
