December 7, 1998

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - After playing six games in 12 days, No. 7 North Carolina is about to get some well-deserved rest.

"We need some time to rest, and then we need some time to just get into a gym and practice," coach Sylvia Hatchell said following the Tar Heels' 77-46 win over Marshall on Monday night.

"When you play so many games in so few days, you don't have any time to practice, and you can't improve as much in games as in practice."

Nikki Teasley scored 15 points in just 22 minutes to lead the Tar Heels (10-1). She shot 6-for-10 from the floor, including 3-for-5 on 3-pointers.

"We felt a little sluggish after our trips, and we're heading into our break for exam, so I wanted to come out and set a fast tempo, especially on defense," Teasley said. "I was fortunate enough to knock down some buckets early."

North Carolina will stay out of the gym two days to study for exams, and then will play just one game over the next nine days.

"We're mentally and physically tired," Hatchell said. I'm just thankful that we've come through this stretch healthy."

Teasley scored 12 points, including two 3-pointers, in the game's opening 13:22 as North Carolina jumped out to a 30-13 lead against Marshall.

"We're still not where we want to be, but we're definitely playing better," Hatchell said.

Juana Brown and LaQuanda Barksdale each added 11 points for the Tar Heels, who cleared the bench shortly after Teasley hit a 3-pointer to make it 52-23 with 14:44 left.

Kristina Behnfeldt had 15 points and eight rebounds to lead Marshall (1-5).

Behnfeldt, who came into Monday averaging 21 points and 12.4 rebounds a game, was held to four first-half points but then scored Marshall's first eight points of the second half.