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LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — LaTangela Atkinson and Nikita Bell led a second-half surge, and No. 13 North Carolina defeated Kentucky 75-59 Tuesday night.

Atkinson led the Tar Heels (3-0) with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Bell scored 16 points. Atkinson scored 13 points in the second half and Bell 12 after the break.

North Carolina went on a 9-1 run midway through the second half to open a 53-35 lead. Bell had six points during the spurt, Atkinson three.

The Tar Heels continued their tough defense, holding the Wildcats (2-1) to 31.4 percent shooting. Tar Heel opponents are shooting a combined 27 percent this season. Kentucky managed to keep the game competitive in the first half despite missing its first 14 shots.

North Carolina’s Candace Sutton finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and six blocked shots as the Tar Heels shot 50.8 percent.

Sara Potts had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats. SeSe Helm added 15 points and nine boards.

North Carolina led 38-28 at halftime and held its biggest edge at 64-43 with 7:15 remaining.