CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Jessica Breland scored 24 points and keyed a late run that helped No. 12 North Carolina defeat UNLV 78-66 on Sunday.
Italee Lucas added 16 points as the Tar Heels (10-0) overcame their first halftime deficit of the season.
North Carolina led 63-60 before Breland scored seven of the Tar Heels’ next 11 points. The Tar Heels struggled to pull away despite forcing 34 turnovers by the Rebels (5-3).
North Carolina missed its first 13 3-point attempts until Lucas, the Tar Heels’ leading scorer, knocked down a 3-pointer with 7:47 remaining for a 56-50 lead. UNLV stayed close, but tenacious defense by the Tar Heels eventually wore on the Rebels, playing their first game in the Eastern time zone in more than five seasons.
Kelli Thompson scored 22 points lead to lead UNLV, which led 32-31 at halftime despite 19 turnovers.
