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McCants powers North Carolina past Syracuse

Nov 19, 2007 - 12:59 AM CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Rashanda McCants had career highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds on Sunday to lead No. 6 North Carolina to a 97-72 victory over Syracuse.

McCants, who led five players in double figures, scored 20 points in the first half as the Tar Heels (5-0) led by 25 at the break. McCants went 7-for-15 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and 9-for-13 at the free throw line.

Erlana Larkins added 15 points and LaToya Pringle 11 for North Carolina. Heather Claytor and Jessica Breland each had 10 for the Tar Heels.

North Carolina made only 15-of-40 shots from the field in the second half, but used a 30-19 rebounding advantage to hold off the Orange (1-1). Syracuse's Fantasia Goodwin and Vionca Murray each fouled out of the game, which featured 52 fouls.

Erica Morrow had 17 points, Vaida Sipaviciute 12 and Chandrea Jones 10 for the Orange. Syracuse never got closer than 23 points in the second half. The Tar Heels pulled away to lead by as many as 35 before missing their last eight shots.