Connecticut women beat Tar Heels

Renee Montgomery scored 26 points and top-ranked Connecticut stayed unbeaten by rallying past No. 3 North Carolina, 82-71, Monday night at Storrs, Conn.

“It’s like a heavyweight fight after the ref broke us up; we got hit in the face, but we answered back and put them away,” Connecticut Coach Geno Auriemma said.

Maya Moore scored 19 points and Tina Charles had 15 points and matched her career high with 19 rebounds for Connecticut (18-0). She also blocked seven shots.

North Carolina’s only loss had been to then-No. 1 Tennessee. The Tar Heels had reeled off eight consecutive victories since that Dec. 2 defeat. Connecticut had not played a top-10 opponent since Thanksgiving weekend.

“We’re playing Tennessee and UConn, and we can compete with them,” North Carolina Coach Sylvia Hatchell said. “We lost this one, but hopefully we’ll see them down the road.”

LaToya Pringle led North Carolina (17-2) with 20 points.

--

Virginia Tech freshman forward Jeff Allen apologized for bumping a referee, a day after the Atlantic Coast Conference suspended him for two games.

The incident occurred during the Hokies’ game at Georgia Tech on Saturday. Allen, who fouled out with 4:32 to play, was on his way to the bench when he bumped or elbowed official Zelton Steed, who ejected him.

--

Bucknell men’s Coach Pat Flannery has been reprimanded and will be suspended for one game for arguing a call during Friday’s game against Holy Cross.