Kierra Adams' layup lifts Florida Gulf Coast past No. 18 North Carolina
ESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Kierra Adams got to the basket for a layup with seven seconds left to lift Florida Gulf Coast to a 65-64 upset win over No. 18 North Carolina Sunday as the Eagles claimed third place at the Gulf Coast Showcase tournament.
North Carolina lost a 63-56 showdown with No. 16 Kansas State in the tournament semifinals.
The Eagles took a four-point lead to start the fourth quarter, but Deja Kelly scored six straight points on two jumpers and a pair of free throws and the Tar Heels led 58-55 with 7:32 left. Dolly Cairns hit from deep to tie the game at 61-61 with just over four minutes to play, but Maria Gakdeng scored at the basket and Kayla McPherson added the second of two free throws to give the Tar Heels a 64-61 lead with 3:45 left. It would be their final points of the game. Cairns had a layup with 3:33 left to get the Eagles within a point.
Cairns was 5 of 9 from the field, including 4 of 7 from distance, and hit all four of her free throws to lead FGCU (5-2). Maddie Antenucci added 15 points.
Kelly missed two free throws and a pair of jumpers in the final three minutes but finished with 24 points and six rebounds to lead North Carolina (5-2). Gakdeng had 22 points and nine rebounds.
___ Get alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here ___ AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
HEADLINES
- SEC newcomers pose major challenges to South Carolina, LSU
- Caldwell navigating 1st season as Tennessee coach with baby on the way
- No. 6 Notre Dame tabbed as ACC favorite with Hidalgo as preseason POY
- Defending champs South Carolina No. 1 in women's AP Top 25 preseason poll
- Miles set to return in Notre Dame's star backcourt