May 20, 2008

PARIS --- North Carolina got 31 points from Rashanda McCants as the Tar Heels defeated the French Junior National Team, 73-59, at the National Institute for Sport and Physical Education Tuesday evening. Jessica Breland added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Italee Lucas finished with nine assists and eight rebounds.

After a solid first quarter that saw UNC outscore the French squad 19-9, the two sides were practically even the rest of the way. The young but talent home team matched the Tar Heels size and physicality, leading to some tense moments and a number of hard fouls.

Carolina carried a 37-25 into the locker room, and extended the lead to 57-39 through three periods. The French actually outscored the Tar Heels in the final stanza, but the American visitors were able to salt the game away with an improved rebound effort in the second half.

The travel party will now prepare for a lengthy bus ride to Lucerne, Switzerland for the next three days of the tour.