By Ron Kantowski

Published Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 | 1:07 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 | 1:08 p.m.

NOW:

Well, at least she showed up to play.

But I'm not so sure about Italee Lucas' University of North Carolina teammates.

The former Centennial High star scored a team-high 15 points for the Tar Heels on 7-for-15 shooting in the biggest women's college basketball game of the year Monday night.

Had she scored 30 more, North Carolina and UConn might still be playing.

But as close as this one got to overtime was when it began. UConn, the best women's basketball team in the land, beat No. 2 North Carolina 88-58, ending the Heels' 31-game home court winning streak.

So Hertz remains Hertz and Avis is going to have to try a whole lot harder.

Lucas, a sophomore shooting guard, has started 17 of 18 games for the 17-1 Tar Heels and is averaging 12.3 points.

THEN:

My high school had a girls' basketball team, but I don't remember ever seeing it play.

My high school also had a girls' basketball gym, which had a steep grandstand on one side. When they'd fold up the side baskets on game night, you could go up there and make out.