CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Carson-Newman Lady Eagles fell to the North Carolina Tar Heels 106-29 in the first exhibition game of the season at Carmichael Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Carson-Newman was led in scoring by junior Shyra Brown (Cleveland, Tenn.) with her nine points and six rebounds in her first game in a Lady Eagle uniform after transferring from Austin Peay.
"Overall, we know it's going to be a challenge coming here," said Carson-Newman head coach Mike Mincey. "I think we went hard 60 percent of the time and 40 percent of the time we just hung our heads too much. "
The Tar Heels, coached by 1974 Carson-Newman alumnus Sylvia Hatchell, jumped out to a 24-1 lead in the first half. The Lady Eagles managed one field goal in the first half, shooting 1-26 from the field, and trailed the Tar Heels at halftime 52-7.
Brown scored six of her nine points in the second half, and finished the afternoon three of four at the free throw line.
"She's really athletic – she's our most athletic player," said Mincey. "She's going to be fine and once we get back to our level of play, I think she's going to be able to nail some of those shots she missed. When you have somebody 6-6 or 6-2 guarding you and you're 5-9, it's just hard to get over them and see the basket."
Carson-Newman shot at a higher percentgage in the second half hitting on 25 percent of their shots from the floor. The Eagles also connected on a trio of three-pointers in the second half, with Takyah Gilmore (Alcoa, Tenn.), Chante' Markus (Hummelstown, Pa.), and Jai Jai McLaughlin (Knoxville, Tenn.) all connecting from beyond the arc.
North Carolina saw six players score in double figures, led by Krista Gross' double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
After the game, Hatchell visited with Carson-Newman players and expressed her pride for her alma mater.
"They came over here and battled with us hard to the very end," Hatchell said. "I think they are going to be fine in their league. They have some shooters, ball-handlers, and post players that are smart. I think Carson-Newman is going to do us proud and it was an honor to play them today."
Carson-Newman will next play on Thursday Nov. 1 against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. Fans can listen to the contest on the Coca-Cola Eagle Sports Network, with coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m.
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