The North Carolina Tar Heels’ women’s basketball team has had their struggles as of late but on Sunday, they closed out the regular season on a positive note.

North Carolina held off Duke for a 63-59 win over the Blue Devils, getting some key free throws late and forcing a miss that would have tied it as well with seconds remaining. In the end, UNC was able to hit a few clutch free throws including two by Deja Kelly to seal it.

The Tar Heels jumped out to a 17-7 lead after the first quarter, using good defense to trip up the Blue Devils. But it wouldn’t be long before Duke rallied, out-scoring the Tar Heels 24-13 and taking a 31-30 lead at the break.

The second half was tight.

The Tar Heels managed to tie it going into the fourth and made plays in the end to take the lead and hold it for good. Kelly led the Tar Heels with 18 points while Alyssa Utsby had 17 including the key defensive play late in the game.

North Carolina finishes the regular season at 19-11 overall and 11-7 in ACC play.  They will take on Miami on Thursday in the ACC Tournament.

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Story originally appeared on Tarheels Wire