Gonzaga women lose to North Carolina 67-62

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Xylina McDaniel completed a three-point play to put North Carolina ahead with 42 seconds left and made four free throws after a pair of defensive rebounds after that, scoring the final seven points that gave the Tar Heels a 67-62 win over Gonzaga on Sunday.

Shelby Cheslek’s put-back three-point play with 1:11 to give Gonzaga a 62-60 lead but on the ensuing possession Hillary Summers found McDaniel along under the basket. After McDaniel was fouled by Elle Tinkle her free throw was the 16th and final lead change.

The game was played in Uncasville as part of Naismith Hall of Fame Challenge. The first three games were played at Gonzaga with the Zags (4-3) beating West Virginia and Grand Canyon before losing to USC.

Destinee Walker led North Carolina with 17 points, Jamie Cherry had 14, McDaniel 13 and Summers 11.

Cheslek led Gonzaga with 16 points and 11 rebounds for her 11th career double-double. Jill Barta and Kiara Kudron both added 12.

The Bulldogs shot 38 percent after shooting 29 percent in the first half when they trailed 30-24. They made 9 of 11 free throws while UNC went 19 of 27 and were outrebounded for the first time this season, 41-32. Summers had 10 for the Tar Heels.

The Zags had 12 steals while forcing 20 turnovers that led to 19 points.

Gonzaga is home Thursday against Wyoming.