"I'm loving some good basketball": A'ja Wilson reviews Haley Cavinder's Miami take on North Carolina

WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson was in attendance as Haley Cavinder and the Miami Hurricanes played the North Carolina Tar Heels at Watsco Center on Sunday. The first-ever WNBA 2K cover athlete paired a moss green t-shirt with a plain silver necklace and a red bandana.

While cheering alongside fans, Wilson also shared her excitement for the matchup through a recorded video message.

"What's up ya'al, its A'ja Wilson here, here in the game," she said in the video posted by NCAA March Madness. "Just a good game, you got a ranked opponent here. So yeah, I'm loving some good basketball over here."

Due to her Division I history with Dawn Staley's South Carolina, A'ja Wilson is a huge Gamecocks supporter. She also actively advocates for the increased visibility and growth of women's basketball on all levels. With that, her support for Haley Cavinder and Miami could have stemmed from her commitment to uplifting women's basketball land young athletes.

Wilson is coming off her best WNBA season, averaging 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks while shooting 51.8%, earning her third MVP award in the last five years. She also helped the Las Vegas Aces mark a WNBA conference finals appearance.

Miami falls despite Haley Cavinder's efforts

Despite Haley Cavinder's determination to play the entire 40 minutes on the clock, North Carolina clinched its first win in Coral Gables since 2015 (69-60). Cavinder posted 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting ( 3-of-7 from the 3-point line) alongside 11 rebounds and five assists.

UNC posted a 10-point deficit at the break and built it by five before the final quarter behind its pestering defense. Even though Miami mounted a 13-7 run in the fourth, they couldn't stop the Tar Heels' momentum.

Maria Gakdeng led UNC with 21 points (7-of-11 shooting) and Alyssa Ustby added 19 on 50% shooting. However, North Carolina's ability to protect the ball and press the Hurricanes' offense was instrumental in the win. Tar Heels only gave up four turnovers while forcing 15 mistakes out of Miami (10 steals and three blocks) and holding UM to its lowest season total.

After facing the second loss of the season, Haley Cavinder and Miami will now get back on the road to play Louisville on Jan. 2.