Tar Heels Cruise Past Short-Handed SMU, Set Sights on Rivalry Showdown with Duke
There wasn’t much mystery in the air Thursday night at Carmichael Arena. North Carolina did exactly what a surging team is supposed to do against a depleted opponent - take care of business early and never let up.
The Tar Heels jumped out to a double-digit lead in the opening stretch and didn’t look back, cruising to a comfortable win over an SMU squad that was missing a staggering seven players due to injury. Among those sidelined was former Tar Heel Paulina Paris, whose season - and college career - was unfortunately cut short due to a serious injury.
For UNC, this matchup served as the ideal tune-up before a high-stakes road trip to Durham on Sunday. And they used it wisely, spreading the minutes, sharing the ball, and getting production across the board.
Depth on Display
This wasn’t just a win - it was a showcase of the Tar Heels’ depth. Head coach Courtney Banghart had the luxury of going deep into her bench, and nearly everyone who saw the floor made an impact. Twelve different players scored, and four of them hit double figures - a stat that speaks volumes about the balance and unselfishness this team is playing with right now.
Henderson, Grant, and Nivar Shine
Taliyah Henderson made the most of her minutes off the bench, pouring in 13 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting night. That kind of efficiency doesn’t just happen - it’s a sign of a player who’s locked in and confident in her role.
Lanie Grant continued her recent tear, leading all scorers with 15 points. She’s been in a rhythm lately, and that momentum couldn’t be arriving at a better time with the rivalry game looming.
Indya Nivar was once again a steady force, stuffing the stat sheet with 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways has become a cornerstone of this team’s identity.
Dominating the Boards
With SMU’s roster thinned out, North Carolina imposed its will on the glass. The Tar Heels owned a commanding 50-20 rebounding edge, with eight different players grabbing multiple boards.
That kind of rebounding dominance isn’t just about size - it’s about effort, positioning, and commitment to the fundamentals. UNC checked every box.
Rivalry Week: All Eyes on Durham
Now comes the real test. Riding an eight-game winning streak, the Tar Heels head to Durham for a Sunday showdown with archrival Duke. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM EST on ABC, and you can bet this one has been circled on the calendar for a while.
This isn’t just another game - it’s a measuring stick. A win on the road at Cameron Indoor would be a statement, not just in the ACC race but on a national level. With the way UNC is playing - balanced, confident, and deep - they’ll head into enemy territory with momentum and belief.
The Tar Heels took care of business Thursday night. Now it’s time to see how they handle the bright lights and big stage of Tobacco Road.