Latta scores 33 as Carolina holds off ODU upset bid

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- No. 5 North Carolina had to work to remain

unbeaten.

Ivory Latta scored nine of her 33 points in overtime to lead the

Tar Heels to an 88-80 victory over Old Dominion.

The Monarchs (2-6) led until 4:22 was left in regulation thanks

to a smothering defense and some hard work on the boards.

Camille Little of North Carolina (12-0) hit a free throw to tie

it at 72 with 20 seconds left but missed the second. Latta missed a

3-pointer at the buzzer and the game went into overtime.

"When we went into overtime, I said 'Yes, we're going to win

it," Old Dominion forward Tish Lyons said. "But things turned

out differently. Still, I think it's amazing to do that."

Lyons had 20 points and Shantel Wilson had 10 points and 12

rebounds for the Monarchs.

Old Dominion outrebounded the Tar Heels 50-41 and forced them

into 20 turnovers, including 16 steals.

"For us to win today was to get to the free throw line and

rebound," Wilson said.

After shooting 40 percent from the free throw line last week

against Florida International, the Monarchs hit 63 percent against

the Tar Heels.

"North Carolina, on the bus ride home, will feel like they were

in a war," Old Dominion coach Wendy Larry said. "I hope they

do."

The Tar Heels trailed most of the game, but Latta had 13 points

in the second half and then scored North Carolina's last six

points.

Erlana Larkins had 18 points and Little added 14 for the Tar

Heels.

"We got a couple of steals and we got a couple rebounds. That

made the difference," North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell said.

The Monarchs face No. 1 Tennessee on Monday.

"The way we played tonight, we can go down there and compete,"

Lyons said.