CHAPEL HILL - Jessica Breland couldn't stop giggling one day after dropping 31 points on Oklahoma and staking North Carolina to an upset 80-79 victory. AP Photo
Catching up with UNC's Jessica Breland
Submitted by egrobinson on 11/24/2008 - 22:41
You can giggle freely when you score two key buckets down the stretch to help your team knock off the then No. 2-ranked team in the nation. You can giggle freely when you score the bulk of those points over All-American Courtney Paris.
So it was in this joyous, giggly mood that the 6-foot-3 junior forward discussed her career-high scoring performance in the Tar Heels' preseason WNIT win.
Breland did not start the game, held out early by UNC coach Sylvia Hatchell for her actions in the previous contest against Xavier. After being fouled and knocked to the floor, she remained on the court in a mini-protest instead of getting back up and sprinting back down court. Her coach didn't like that. She sat for a short while at the start of the Oklahoma game.
But when she finally got in the game, she went to work and kept a hot hand throughout. She emerged as the jump-shooting, back-to-the-basket player she had shown glimpses of as a sophomore.
After a weight-lifting session on Monday, Breland talked about her 31-point outburst and how she finally felt comfortable and in the "flow" of the game.
Listen to our chat.
UNC's Jessica Breland talks about scoring 31 against Oklahoma
Breland talks about how she can improve this season
About the blogger
Edward joined the News & Observer staff in 2004. He is a graduate of American University and Johns Hopkins University. He covers Wake Forest football and women's college basketball for the N&O. Edward is a native of Washington, D.C. He can be reached at 829-4781 or edward.robinson@newsobserver.com.Want to post a comment?
In order to join the conversation, you must be a member of newsobserver.com. Click here to register or to log in.Advertisements
