North Carolina takes WNIT, moves into top 25

North Carolina is now a perfect 4-0 to start the season and has crept into the AP Poll at No.25 after defeating Iowa 77-64 to win the preseason Women's National Invitational Tournament in Iowa City, Iowa. 

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt led the way for the Tar Heels in the championship game with 22 points, including a halfcourt buzzer-beater to give North Carolina a comfortable 47-25 lead at the half.  Freshman Xylina McDaniel had the second double-double of her short college career, putting up 15 point and grabbing 14 boards. 

Iowa tried to rally in the second half, holding North Carolina without a basket for the first four minutes and were able to outscore the Tarheels 39-30 in the second, but were never able to get the lead under double digits. 

Iowa (3-1) was led by Morgan Johnson, who finished with 20 points and 11 boards. Samantha Logic and Melissa Dixon both added 12.

The Tar Heels defeated Davidson, Duquesne and Georgetown to reach the championship game.

Complete results:

First round