Tar Heels Snap Raleigh Drought with Statement Win Over NC State
RALEIGH, N.C. - It took five years and a full four quarters of gritty basketball, but North Carolina finally left Reynolds Coliseum with a win under Courtney Banghart. In a game that lived up to the rivalry’s reputation, the No. 25 Tar Heels edged out NC State, 61-59, on Monday night - their first road win over the Wolfpack since 2019.
This wasn’t just another notch in the win column. It was UNC’s first quad one victory of the season, and it came on the back of a four-game win streak that’s quickly turning into something more substantial. Now 18-5 overall and 7-3 in ACC play, the Tar Heels are building momentum at just the right time.
Grant and Nivar Deliver in the Clutch
Lanie Grant and Indya Nivar were the heartbeat of the Carolina offense, each flirting with career highs - Grant poured in 18, Nivar added 16. Grant’s outside shooting was once again a difference-maker, knocking down half of her looks from deep.
Nivar, meanwhile, was relentless on both ends, shooting 58% from the field and making her presence felt in all the right moments. That’s now 18 games this season with double-digit scoring for the sophomore guard, and this one might’ve been her most complete performance yet.
Defensive Identity on Full Display
If there’s one thing that’s become a calling card for this Tar Heel squad, it’s their defense - and Monday night was a masterclass. UNC held NC State to just 59 points, tying the fewest they’ve allowed all season.
The third quarter was particularly dominant: just eight points allowed, a season-low for any single frame by the Wolfpack. That stretch flipped the game’s momentum and gave UNC the edge it needed down the stretch.
A Game of Runs, and a Battle of Wills
UNC came out firing with a 6-0 burst to start the game, but the Wolfpack responded quickly, reclaiming the lead and holding a six-point advantage by the end of the first quarter. The second frame saw NC State build on that edge, but the Tar Heels stayed within striking distance, thanks in part to Nyla Brooks’ defensive spark and a perfectly timed three from Nivar that reignited the Carolina offense.
With under two minutes left in the half, Grant drew a three-shot foul and calmly sank all three free throws - a momentum-shifting moment that trimmed NC State’s lead to four at the break, 34-30.
Then came the third quarter - and UNC’s most complete stretch of the night. Nivar scored six in the frame, while the defense clamped down hard.
NC State missed its first six shots of the quarter, and Grant’s three-point shooting helped UNC take its first lead of the game. An 11-4 run, capped by a defensive stand, sent the Tar Heels into the fourth with a 48-42 cushion.
Closing Time
Nivar opened the fourth with a layup that pushed the lead to double digits, but NC State wasn’t going quietly. The Wolfpack clawed back with a quick layup, a steal, and a timely three after a pair of UNC turnovers to cut the lead to two.
That set up a tense final stretch, but Reniya Kelly came through with two clutch threes that gave UNC just enough breathing room. And when the game was on the line, it was Nivar again - this time securing the final rebound to seal the deal.
What’s Next
North Carolina heads back to Chapel Hill to host Clemson on Thursday night for their annual Shoes 4 Hope game at Carmichael Arena. Fans are encouraged to wear navy, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. on the ACC Network.
But for now, the Tar Heels can savor this one. A rivalry win on the road.
A defensive statement. A pair of stars rising in real time.
This team is starting to look like it has something to say in the ACC - and beyond.