07:46 PM EST on Saturday, March 5, 2005

Associated Press

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Ivory Latta scored 19 points and hit the go-ahead three-pointer to help fourth-ranked North Carolina over Miami.

The late Tar Heels run for a 64-to-57 win avoided a stunning upset in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament quarterfinals. Nikita Bell added 13 points and eight rebounds for the top-seeded Tar Heels, who trailed most of the way.

The win puts North Carolina into tomorrow's tournament semifinals.

Tamara James had 13 points and 14 rebounds to lead ninth-seeded Hurricanes.

Miami led by as many as ten points in the first half and held a three-point edge with about two-and-a-half minutes to play.