Tar Heels Bounce Back in a Big Way, Dominate UNC Wilmington in 50-Point Statement Win
CHAPEL HILL - After a gut-punch overtime loss to Louisville, North Carolina women’s basketball needed a reset - and they got one in emphatic fashion. The Tar Heels returned to Carmichael Arena and unloaded a 50-point statement win over UNC Wilmington, cruising to an 84-34 victory that looked every bit like a team hitting the reset button with purpose.
This wasn’t just about padding the win column. It was about re-establishing identity, rhythm, and confidence - and UNC did all three.
Every player on the roster saw the floor. Nine different Tar Heels got on the scoreboard. And while the opponent wasn’t on the same tier talent-wise, the way Carolina approached the game said a lot about their mindset following Sunday’s disappointment.
Nyla Brooks Leads the Charge
Freshman guard Nyla Brooks led the way with 16 points, providing a scoring spark and continuing to show the kind of offensive versatility that could be key for the Heels as the season progresses. Forward Ciera Toomey added 13 points on an ultra-efficient 6-of-8 shooting clip, pulling down four boards and playing with the kind of poise that suggests her role is only growing.
UNC shot 48% from the field and 34% from three, but the one blemish on the night? Free throws.
The Tar Heels hit just 5-of-15 from the line - a surprising stat for a team that usually handles the basics well. In fact, it was their worst free throw performance in four seasons.
Courtney Banghart: “This Was About Us”
Head coach Courtney Banghart didn’t shy away from the reality of Sunday’s loss. But she also didn’t let it linger.
Her focus? Getting her team back to playing their brand of basketball.
"I'm proud of them," Banghart said postgame. "Our leadership crowd, our older guys, they came in - it's hard to tie your shoes up and go at it, and they did."
Banghart emphasized how the team used a longer film session and a sharp practice to reset their offensive identity - reminding her group that they’re one of the more dangerous scoring teams in the country when they play with pace and purpose.
Before the game, Banghart even skipped the usual opponent-focused shootaround breakdown. Instead, she showed her team clips from their own practice - a move that clearly paid off.
"When they can separate and put some vertical attack on the rim with some force, it opens up our offense in so many ways," she said. "We got back to that."
Free Throws: A Mental Game
As for the free throws? Banghart isn’t panicking - and she’s not making a big deal out of it either.
"You have to be able to make free throws in game pressure," she said. "We don’t move to the next drill until they make five in a row, every one of them… If their shot is broken from the free throw line, they probably wouldn’t play. I don’t think I’ll say a word about it."
It’s a veteran move from a coach who knows when to push and when to let things breathe. This wasn’t a night to harp on the negatives.
Ciera Toomey: “This Was About Growth”
Toomey, who continues to develop into a key frontcourt presence, spoke after the game about the team’s mentality coming in - and how they turned the page after Louisville.
"In the huddle before the game, we looked around at each other and said we know what this game is and we just need to focus on ourselves," she said. "Coming off the game against Louisville, we took a day, we were off and we kind of sat in it."
That internal motivation, she said, has become a defining trait of this team.
"This is about us and this is a game where we can grow no matter who we're playing," Toomey added. "We just wanted to make sure we went out and did everything as well as we did the day before in practice."
How the Game Played Out
UNC actually trailed briefly, 6-5, with 6:46 left in the first quarter. That was the last time the game was remotely competitive.
From that point on, the Tar Heels ripped off a 42-12 run to close the half, heading into the break with a commanding 47-18 lead. The offense was clicking - 50% shooting from the field and 6-of-13 from deep - but the defense and rebounding effort were just as impressive. UNC pulled down 11 offensive boards in the first half alone, compared to just one for the Seahawks.
The second half was more of the same. Banghart emptied the bench, and the depth showed.
Twelve players logged minutes, and the energy never dipped. The Tar Heels stayed aggressive, played clean basketball, and never let off the gas.
Looking Ahead
This was the kind of bounce-back win that doesn’t just pad the record - it re-centers a team. UNC reminded itself of what it can be when it plays with intent, shares the ball, and locks in defensively. And while the free throw struggles are something to monitor, there’s no question this group is back on track.
The road ahead will bring tougher opponents and tighter games, but for now, the Tar Heels did exactly what they needed to do: regroup, refocus, and respond.